Seeking General Diamond Buying Advice

[luck12]

So, long story short, I am in the market for a round diamond that will be prong set in a halo-style setting. The size of the stone will be 0.7 to 1 carat, maximum. My GF is much more interested in the setting itself as opposed to the actual diamond. However, getting a good quality stone is important to me.

Initially, when I was looking for a stone to put in a solitaire setting, I was looking for a round, 3/4 carat, ideal cut, D-G color, VS2 or better clarity diamond. However, given the switch to a halo setting, is it possible to go down in color or clarity and slightly increase the size of the diamond to 0.9-1 carat for a similar price?

I have done quite a bit of research, and I faintly remember advice being given regarding halo set center stones; i.e. that it's possible to go down a few grades in either cut, color, and/or clarity without as large an impact to the brilliance/fire of the diamond? Or am I just making this up in my head?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Looking to go through with the purchase sometime in the next week or two. Cheers

 

[slg47]

what is your budget?

I would actually stick with higher color and smaller size in a halo because the halo itself adds so much size and you do not want to see a color difference between the halo diamonds and the center stone.

 

[distracts]

Do not go down in cut quality as that WILL affect the brilliance and fire of the diamond.

 

[luck12]

what is your budget?

I would actually stick with higher color and smaller size in a halo because the halo itself adds so much size and you do not want to see a color difference between the halo diamonds and the center stone.

My budget for the diamond itself tops out at $5-6K. Also, I agree with your comment about the smaller diamond in the halo setting; as I've researched, I've thought many of the center stones seemed sort of "stuffed" into the setting.

As a reference, I've attached a picture of the setting.

 

[luck12]

 

[ChrisES]

That's a lot of center stone; I think a lower colored stone would be noticeable next to the halo.

 

[webdiva]

Find a vendor that carries Gabriel & Co - very well made. GOG and a number of other vendors discount off MSRP.

Here are all the halos from $1000-$2000:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles/2?style=Halo&price=1000-2000

Two nice examples:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7278W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7261W44JJ

Leaves you about $4500 for the diamond.

Eg.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9321/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8950/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8410/

PS, who else carries Gabriel & Co?

 

[luck12]

Find a vendor that carries Gabriel & Co - very well made. GOG and a number of other vendors discount off MSRP.

Here are all the halos from $1000-$2000:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles/2?style=Halo&price=1000-2000

Two nice examples:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7278W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7261W44JJ

Leaves you about $4500 for the diamond.

Eg.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9321/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8950/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8410/

PS, who else carries Gabriel & Co?

Thank you! The picture I attached includes a center stone that is bigger than what I plan to buy, but I've pretty much decided on that setting given my marching orders!

I have up to $6K budgeted just for the diamond, although I'd like to keep it under $5K. The diamonds you listed are pretty close to what I'm looking for!

 

[webdiva]

Thank you! The picture I attached includes a center stone that is bigger than what I plan to buy, but I've pretty much decided on that setting given my marching orders!

I have up to $6K budgeted just for the diamond, although I'd like to keep it under $5K. The diamonds you listed are pretty close to what I'm looking for!

In that case, I'd find out what color the small diamonds in the ring are and see if you can go with a lower color. Anyone around here have an I color in a halo? Here's a well priced (though not with top, top optics) 1 carater...
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8801/

Or a smaller H color: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9147/

 

[webdiva]

I see that ID jewelry also carries Gabriel & Co - and can help you source a diamond. No pics online like GOG, so not as much fun IMHO (though many people have been happy with this vendor!).
http://idjewelryonline.com/gabriel.php

 

[luck12]

Thanks again. As for the halo stones, they are all F-G in color and VS2 or SI1 in clarity. Maybe it's best to remain looking at D-G center stones?

 

[ChrisES]

Thanks again. As for the halo stones, they are all F-G in color and VS2 or SI1 in clarity. Maybe it's best to remain looking at D-G center stones?

From reading here, I have the sense that that's pretty standard for halos.

I think you can get a very nice value on a stone in the G-H range that would look fine with a halo.

 

[webdiva]

Thanks again. As for the halo stones, they are all F-G in color and VS2 or SI1 in clarity. Maybe it's best to remain looking at D-G center stones?

From what I understand (I didn't look at Rounds and someone else can chime in), D and E is pretty much a waste of money in rounds since they face up whiter than other shapes. I think it would be worth it for you to go through the Halo thread and look at the round ones:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/page-20']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/page-20[/URL]

BTW - the small diamonds will always face up whiter than the center, because of the size.

Ditto on ChrisES. Wondering if you can drop to an I...anyone else, what do you think?

 

[kindred]

Thanks again. As for the halo stones, they are all F-G in color and VS2 or SI1 in clarity. Maybe it's best to remain looking at D-G center stones?

From reading here, I have the sense that that's pretty standard for halos.

I think you can get a very nice value on a stone in the G-H range that would look fine with a halo.

I would definitely look for a G or H stone, as well.

 

[webdiva]

Other options at GOG - you have the Solasfera, a different optic in a round. More facets, smaller twinkles of light.

.83 H SI2 - $4300 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8013/ (I added to cart to see the price)
.71 G VS2 - $4799 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9242/

Or the Eighternity
.77 F VS2 - $4931 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8402/

Hope that didn't throw you off Just wanted to present all the options!

 

[luck12]

Those are all excellent options. Back to work comparing I go!

 

[webdiva]

Those are all excellent options. Back to work comparing I go!

Don't too long! Lurkers have a history of snapping up recommended stones!

I like this one:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9147/

Unless you want a bigger size, less performance - then the 1 carat one.

 

[luck12]

And, of course, just as I thought I had the setting nailed down, a different art deco style setting now appears to be the front runner.



Have a few stones I am looking at, including some from this thread. Once I figure out 100% which setting I am going with, I'll post up a few of the choices!

 

[webdiva]

In that case, without a halo - you can drop down some color grades. That setting is gorgeous! How much do you have leftover for the diamond?

 

[webdiva]

How about an antique style diamond?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9272/
$3200-ish.

 

[luck12]

In that case, without a halo - you can drop down some color grades. That setting is gorgeous! How much do you have leftover for the diamond?

Thank you, I believe it is more of the vintage setting she would prefer (waiting on my 'consultant' to affirm this haha).

It's close to the same price as the previous setting, so my budget for the stone is up to $5K, but I'd prefer closer to $3500-$4K and be able to use the difference for an upcoming vacation.

I really don't know much about the style of diamond you just posted. Looking over it now...

 

[webdiva]

In that case, without a halo - you can drop down some color grades. That setting is gorgeous! How much do you have leftover for the diamond?

Thank you, I believe it is more of the vintage setting she would prefer (waiting on my 'consultant' to affirm this haha).

It's close to the same price as the previous setting, so my budget for the stone is up to $5K, but I'd prefer closer to $3500-$4K and be able to use the difference for an upcoming vacation.

I really don't know much about the style of diamond you just posted. Looking over it now...

It's a different kind of sparkle, definitely see GOG's videos. In person, antique diamonds have a kind of gorgeous "glow" about them and have crazy fire in low lighting. Has she seen many diamonds in person?

The two rings she mentioned are wildly differently. I wonder if she's still making up her mind and needs more time to think. I did the same thing and I'm glad I didn't buy anything while I made up my mind. A halo'd .8 carat will look completely different than an unhalo'd diamond in that setting you showed last. She may be disappointed that it doesn't look the same with a smaller diamond, as the picture shows a diamond 1 carat or larger (maybe 1.2 - ladies?). Do you think maybe using a temp ring and including her would be beneficial?

 

[luck12]

In that case, without a halo - you can drop down some color grades. That setting is gorgeous! How much do you have leftover for the diamond?

Thank you, I believe it is more of the vintage setting she would prefer (waiting on my 'consultant' to affirm this haha).

It's close to the same price as the previous setting, so my budget for the stone is up to $5K, but I'd prefer closer to $3500-$4K and be able to use the difference for an upcoming vacation.

I really don't know much about the style of diamond you just posted. Looking over it now...

It's a different kind of sparkle, definitely see GOG's videos. In person, antique diamonds have a kind of gorgeous "glow" about them and have crazy fire in low lighting. Has she seen many diamonds in person?

The two rings she mentioned are wildly differently. I wonder if she's still making up her mind and needs more time to think. I did the same thing and I'm glad I didn't buy anything while I made up my mind. A halo'd .8 carat will look completely different than an unhalo'd diamond in that setting you showed last. She may be disappointed that it doesn't look the same with a smaller diamond, as the picture shows a diamond 1 carat or larger (maybe 1.2 - ladies?). Do you think maybe using a temp ring and including her would be beneficial?

Thanks, I'm going to check out the GOG video. That type of diamond is certainly an option.

Although she has had significant input on the setting style, she hasn't actually seen these particular settings in person. She finally did show me a few settings of which she liked the design. This most recent setting is much more that style. The halo was one I picked out with help from her sister, but I confirmed that she prefers the more vintage, antique, floral style design to more traditional halo or side-stone settings.

I am 99.9% certain I will be purchasing this setting (hesitate to say 100% until I click the buy button). I also confirmed with the vendor that the setting is shown with a 0.9 carat diamond. She doesn't want a diamond bigger than that, so I'm staying in the 0.75 to 0.9 carat range. Once I find the right one, I am going to go with it and not look back!

 

[webdiva]

Thanks, I'm going to check out the GOG video. That type of diamond is certainly an option.

Although she has had significant input on the setting style, she hasn't actually seen these particular settings in person. She finally did show me a few settings of which she liked the design. This most recent setting is much more that style. The halo was one I picked out with help from her sister, but I confirmed that she prefers the more vintage, antique, floral style design to more traditional halo or side-stone settings.

I am 99.9% certain I will be purchasing this setting (hesitate to say 100% until I click the buy button). I also confirmed with the vendor that the setting is shown with a 0.9 carat diamond. She doesn't want a diamond bigger than that, so I'm staying in the 0.75 to 0.9 carat range. Once I find the right one, I am going to go with it and not look back!

It's a beautiful setting, and seems like it will be quite delicate since that's a .9 diamond. Has she tried on settings or she's not picky? I just say that because I thought I liked a certain style until I tried it on with a diamond size I could afford, and then went halo because I wanted more finger coverage on my pudgy hands.

Best of luck and keep us posted! Can't wait to see the results!

 

[luck12]

Thanks, I'm going to check out the GOG video. That type of diamond is certainly an option.

Although she has had significant input on the setting style, she hasn't actually seen these particular settings in person. She finally did show me a few settings of which she liked the design. This most recent setting is much more that style. The halo was one I picked out with help from her sister, but I confirmed that she prefers the more vintage, antique, floral style design to more traditional halo or side-stone settings.

I am 99.9% certain I will be purchasing this setting (hesitate to say 100% until I click the buy button). I also confirmed with the vendor that the setting is shown with a 0.9 carat diamond. She doesn't want a diamond bigger than that, so I'm staying in the 0.75 to 0.9 carat range. Once I find the right one, I am going to go with it and not look back!

It's a beautiful setting, and seems like it will be quite delicate since that's a .9 diamond. Has she tried on settings or she's not picky? I just say that because I thought I liked a certain style until I tried it on with a diamond size I could afford, and then went halo because I wanted more finger coverage on my pudgy hands.

Best of luck and keep us posted! Can't wait to see the results!

She has tried on a few settings (she's a size 6). She's very much into more vintage styles but wants to avoid anything 'blingy' or that sits high off the finger. You are right that it is a delicate setting, and that's exactly what she wants. 1 ct stones and bigger actually looked odd on her hand. The range I gave seems to be the sweet spot (for her tastes).

Will definitely keep this updated, and I'll likely be asking for a little more advice anyway.

Here are a few more pictures of the setting that may help:

 

[webdiva]

She has tried on a few settings (she's a size 6). She's very much into more vintage styles but wants to avoid anything 'blingy' or that sits high off the finger. You are right that it is a delicate setting, and that's exactly what she wants. 1 ct stones and bigger actually looked odd on her hand. The range I gave seems to be the sweet spot (for her tastes).

Will definitely keep this updated, and I'll likely be asking for a little more advice anyway.

Here are a few more pictures of the setting that may help:

It's gorgeous and that's great news that she's tried it on! I love the little crown around the diamond. May I ask who the vendor is? Beautiful choice!

 

[luck12]

Sure! It is the replica art deco setting from Leigh Jay Nacht. It's been hard for me to find anything negative about their operation and customer service has thus far been top notch.