Solasfera diamond?

[finallylooking]

First post here and could use some guidance!

My BF and I are looking at rings and are considering purchasing the diamond online to be set at a jeweler. Last night we came across the Solasfera at Good Old Gold. I could use some guidance on this diamond cut.

The one we are considering is this:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8019/

In your more experienced opinions, would we be better off looking for a high quality H&A w/ ideal proportions? We're looking for a good diamond in the .5-.75 ct range. Great cut. D-G color and VVS1-VS2 clarity. Looking to spend about $4k-5k total on the ring.

Thanks!

 

[rubybeth]

Do you love the Solasfera? Have you seen H&A rounds in person? I'm guessing you could find a video from GOG that compares a Solasfera to a regular H&A round and see which you like better if you haven't compared in person. I think you should get what you love.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have H&A stones and have only seen the Solasfera in the videos, but they certainly are among the most brillant round diamonds! I think, though, in the budget you are working with, you will get more size for the money with a H&A round. Every bit of size counts in that range, so I would personally go with a regular H&A stone, G VS2. I am not sure the faceting difference is going to be as apparent in that size, either.

 

[finallylooking]

Do you love the Solasfera? Have you seen H&A rounds in person? I'm guessing you could find a video from GOG that compares a Solasfera to a regular H&A round and see which you like better if you haven't compared in person. I think you should get what you love.

We did find the videos on YouTube which is how we came to quite like the cut. I saw the Princess of Hearts in person a few days ago. Have not seen a true H&A or Solasfera in person though. I don't think I'll be able to find a Solasfera in person (Live in Cleveland).

 

[finallylooking]

I have H&A stones and have only seen the Solasfera in the videos, but they certainly are among the most brillant round diamonds! I think, though, in the budget you are working with, you will get more size for the money with a H&A round. Every bit of size counts in that range, so I would personally go with a regular H&A stone, G VS2. I am not sure the faceting difference is going to be as apparent in that size, either.

I was curious about the size to price between a regular H&A and the Solasfera. From what I found, the H&A aren't much cheaper. However, I am concerned about the blemish the stone shows in the magnified picture. The Solasfera from GOG is $3340

 

[Rhino]

I have H&A stones and have only seen the Solasfera in the videos, but they certainly are among the most brillant round diamonds! I think, though, in the budget you are working with, you will get more size for the money with a H&A round. Every bit of size counts in that range, so I would personally go with a regular H&A stone, G VS2. I am not sure the faceting difference is going to be as apparent in that size, either.

I was curious about the size to price between a regular H&A and the Solasfera. From what I found, the H&A aren't much cheaper. However, I am concerned about the blemish the stone shows in the magnified picture. The Solasfera from GOG is $3340

This is true. In the past there was a little more of a pricing difference between H&A's and Solasfera's. Today that is not the case. Both are pretty darn comparable.

Also, the tiny inclusion ... impossible to see with the eyes. 110% safe on that front.

 

[finallylooking]

Would you consider a stone like this to be a good selection or are there factors that I may not be looking at? Should I look at perhaps closer to a D-F color or VVS1-VS1 clarity? The current selection on GOG does not seem to carry anything else within our budget/parameters.

Thanks for the patience with me!

 

[kenny]

However, I am concerned about the blemish the stone shows in the magnified picture.

IMHO that inclusion will NOT be visible to anyone's naked eye in your 0.61 ct GIA VS2.
GOG just offers this style of dark field photography, which emphasizes inclusions, for full disclosure.
I really respect them for offering it and I wish other vendors would do this too.
I have had a few transactions with Good Old Gold and they are an outstanding diamond vendor.

Standard rounds have 8 sections.
Solasfera's have 10 sections, count the 10 arrows.
This helps eliminates the "contrast leakage at the perimeter of the diamond next to every arrow.
They are the triangular white areas in this ACA, which is a fantasticly-cut diamond too . . .



Below is a Solasfera.
Notice there is no contrast leakage whatsoever.
You get solid red, which means the highest light return possible.
They are astonishingly bright diamonds.



I have a Solasfera and an ACA round of similar specs.
The ACA from Whiteflash is as good as or better than a Hearts and Arrows, which is a loosely thrown around imprecise term anyway.
After owning them for a few years I truly love them both equally though they are a different look.
Since the Solasfera has 10 instead of 8 sections that means it has 25% more facets, each of which is 25% smaller.
This results in a look that has more but smaller flashes.
Belive me, both are equally beautiful.

One (IMHO unfair) criticism I hear is people who are used to the 8-section rounds and may judge the Solasfera as being too busy, yet that same person may LOVE a princess or radiant cut which is a MUCH busier cut.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and IMHO this one smacks of intolerance of non-traditional round cut just because it is ... well ... not traditional.

In my pics below the ACA is on the left and the Solasfera is on the right.
The ACA is 0.82 ct E VVS1 and the Solasfera is 0.83 ct F VS1.
Forgive me as the Solasfera was not point precicely at the camera in these pics, giving the ACA an unfair advantage in the appearance of the symmetry.
Look how the center of the diamond is off center on the Solasfera. My Bad.
But at least these pics give you some comparison.
The best comparison is for you to buy a Solasfera AND a well-cut standard round and live with them for a few days and return one.
You will only have to pay for return shipping.
I did this.

 

[finallylooking]

Thanks for that information and side by side comparrison! I'll take another look at the WhiteFlash ACA and see what we can get in that price range. We're both attracted to the extra facets of the Solasfera but don't think we must have one over the other

 

[rubybeth]

Would you consider a stone like this to be a good selection or are there factors that I may not be looking at? Should I look at perhaps closer to a D-F color or VVS1-VS1 clarity? The current selection on GOG does not seem to carry anything else within our budget/parameters.

Thanks for the patience with me!

I don't think you need to go up in color or clarity, a good range for more budget-friendly options if you don't have any 'mind clean' objections is G-H, VS2 or eye-clean SI1. The excellent cut is what will make the diamond sparkle like crazy, not the high color or clarity.

Edited to add: Personally, I wear an I VS2 and with stones under a carat, body color is hard to see unless you have eagle eyes. One option is this .84 6mm I VS2 for $4,200 w/PS wire discount: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792443.htm

 

[blinglover78]

Would you consider a stone like this to be a good selection or are there factors that I may not be looking at? Should I look at perhaps closer to a D-F color or VVS1-VS1 clarity? The current selection on GOG does not seem to carry anything else within our budget/parameters.

Thanks for the patience with me!

I don't think you need to go up in color or clarity, a good range for more budget-friendly options if you don't have any 'mind clean' objections is G-H, VS2 or eye-clean SI1. The excellent cut is what will make the diamond sparkle like crazy, not the high color or clarity.

Edited to add: Personally, I wear an I VS2 and with stones under a carat, body color is hard to see unless you have eagle eyes. One option is this .84 6mm I VS2 for $4,200 w/PS wire discount: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792443.htm

I agree with this. I would go down in color to an I to get a little more size.

this diamond would be a nice option:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.824-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104059065039

 

[rubybeth]

Here are a couple other options from different vendors (I've limited to stones under $4,500 assuming you want a simple solitaire, but if that's incorrect, let us know the budget for the stone and setting):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9329/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1483395.asp

 

[Christina...]

I absolutely agree with rubybeth. If you purchase in the colorless and VVS range then you are purchasing something that you will visually not be able to appreciate at this size. I consider colorless, flawless stones as more of a collectors item. At the size your considering a G VS2 will look absolutely colorless and flawless to your eyes. And you may be able to go up a bit in weight! I also owned a VVS1 for mind clean reasons, and in hindsight wish I had gone with a larger stone and lower clarity.

 

[finallylooking]

Here are a couple other options from different vendors (I've limited to stones under $4,500 assuming you want a simple solitaire, but if that's incorrect, let us know the budget for the stone and setting):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9329/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1483395.asp

Thank you for the suggestions.

We are looking for more of a halo setting. We want to keep the whole thing around $5000 with a little wiggle room. I have a size 4 finger so I'm not overly concerned about the size. I would say our priority is for an all around visually stunning ring. Most people in my living area have stones in the .5 range, however, they normally look for the D-VVS1 stones. That or they have a large stone from a chain retail store.

Would the Solasfera not be a noticable difference to a H&A in the .5-.75 range?

I'm also considering a POH .6 F VVSI for $3900 which GOG has access to. I have seen the POH in person and my BF and I loved it.

GOG also suggested this jubilee diamond: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9478/

Are color and clarity only more noticable in larger stones?

 

[rubybeth]

Here are a couple other options from different vendors (I've limited to stones under $4,500 assuming you want a simple solitaire, but if that's incorrect, let us know the budget for the stone and setting):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9329/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1483395.asp

Thank you for the suggestions.

We are looking for more of a halo setting. We want to keep the whole thing around $5000 with a little wiggle room. I have a size 4 finger so I'm not overly concerned about the size. I would say our priority is for an all around visually stunning ring. Most people in my living area have stones in the .5 range, however, they normally look for the D-VVS1 stones. That or they have a large stone from a chain retail store.

Would the Solasfera not be a noticable difference to a H&A in the .5-.75 range?

I'm also considering a POH .6 F VVSI for $3900 which GOG has access to. I have seen the POH in person and my BF and I loved it.

GOG also suggested this jubilee diamond: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9478/

Are color and clarity only more noticable in larger stones?

If you need to stick to high color and clarity for cultural reasons (I know this is more common in Asian cultures) then that's cool, we can help, I just wanted you to know that it's going to be tough to see a difference, even when comparing side by side with others' stones. I think in general, color and clarity are more noticeable in larger stones. I had a thread recently where I asked about M color stones, and a lot of the stones posted were 2+ carats, while one or two were a carat or under, and the smaller stones definitely looked 'lighter.' Clarity really depends on what type of inclusions they are--you can find eye-clean I1 stones (white inclusions or an inclusion that can be hidden under a prong) but you can also find SI1s where the inclusions are black carbon spots right in the middle of the table and very visible. That's why I like that PS vendors often have photos of the exact stone you are buying, so you can see for yourself, but do realize that the images are blown up and what may seem big on a monitor is tiny in real life.

I like both the Princess of Hearts and Jubilee cuts, but they are a different look than a round brilliant. What kind of halo setting are you looking at? Good Old Gold has access to Gabriel and Co. settings, many of which are lovely and budget-friendly (though not the highest quality pave or detail work): http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged This setting could give you a square look with a round stone: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7818W44JJ

This is one my favorite halo settings: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html and you'd be under budget with a stone like this: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489175.asp

Edited to add: with your tiny finger, pave diamonds on the shank of the ring will probably be mostly hidden, esp. if you have a 6mm stone w/a 1-2mm halo around it. You'll get a LOT of finger coverage with a halo.

 

[webdiva]

I have a Princess of Hearts from GOG - and it is WOW! Holy sparkles! I've compared to many different diamonds and it's just incredible. One caveat I will throw out there is when I first got it in the "ring holder" loose - I didn't see the full potential of the stone since it's .88 and much of the stone was covered by the huge ring holder prongs. It didn't fully let loose it's sparkle and fire power until I got it back in a bezel setting (see avatar). FYI, my ring in the avatar was under $4300 with the halo setting.

It's up to you if you like round or square. Kenny's explanation was fantastic and will also help you make a decision. I was worried to give up sparkle power with a square and debated rounds, but am so glad I got the POH. It's really personal preference. Rubybeth had a ton of great suggestions - Gabriel & Co and Beverley K offer great quality value for the money.

In addition, in a diamond where the facets really outshine the flaws - you will not see many flaws. My POH is an I1 (which I PROUDLY tell everyone!) and you CANNOT see it. I would highly recommend going lower in clarity for the value. I understand it may be a cultural thing, but I doubt anyone will ask the clarity once they see the SPARKLE of a well cut diamond!

Can you see GOG's .8 J POH - it's in the $3k range. The .91 J is in the $4400 range.

So excited! I love helping people on a budget!

 

[webdiva]

One more thing, if you did love the POH - keep in mind that you need to compare the diagonal dimension of the diamond which is not on GOG's site. My diamond is 5.5 mm but the diagonal is 6mm - so it appears MUCH larger than 5.5 mm. I can also say that the sparkle and fire do compare to a H&A round and you don't give up anything if you prefer the square look.

 

[finallylooking]

If you need to stick to high color and clarity for cultural reasons (I know this is more common in Asian cultures) then that's cool, we can help, I just wanted you to know that it's going to be tough to see a difference, even when comparing side by side with others' stones. I think in general, color and clarity are more noticeable in larger stones. I had a thread recently where I asked about M color stones, and a lot of the stones posted were 2+ carats, while one or two were a carat or under, and the smaller stones definitely looked 'lighter.' Clarity really depends on what type of inclusions they are--you can find eye-clean I1 stones (white inclusions or an inclusion that can be hidden under a prong) but you can also find SI1s where the inclusions are black carbon spots right in the middle of the table and very visible. That's why I like that PS vendors often have photos of the exact stone you are buying, so you can see for yourself, but do realize that the images are blown up and what may seem big on a monitor is tiny in real life.

I like both the Princess of Hearts and Jubilee cuts, but they are a different look than a round brilliant. What kind of halo setting are you looking at? Good Old Gold has access to Gabriel and Co. settings, many of which are lovely and budget-friendly (though not the highest quality pave or detail work): http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged This setting could give you a square look with a round stone: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7818W44JJ

This is one my favorite halo settings: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html and you'd be under budget with a stone like this: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489175.asp

Edited to add: with your tiny finger, pave diamonds on the shank of the ring will probably be mostly hidden, esp. if you have a 6mm stone w/a 1-2mm halo around it. You'll get a LOT of finger coverage with a halo.

I completely follow with how my finger size will affect the look of the ring. These are the settings we are mainly attracted t:. http://www.stuller.com/products/121981/?groupId=113148 (have seen some of their line in person but not this one)
http://www.sylviecollection.com/detail/round-brilliant-diamonds-engagement-ring_280.html (have seen in person)
http://www.trueknots.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=5018&priceRange=0x999999 (seeing tonight)

Gabriel seems to have some nice settings I'll have to take a look at. We had planned to take the stone we choose to be set at a local store but we're open to ordering online.

I actually don't care for to much pave on the sides because I find it scratchy. I'd prefer to have detail within the gold or just a plain shank. However, my boyfriend feels a plain shank is too plain.

ETA: I don't know how this affects anything diamond color wise but I'd like the setting to be rose gold with platinum prongs (I tend to be a klutz so I'd like that added strength with the silver claw)

It makes sense that larger diamonds would have a more noticable color difference. I'm fine going into the F & G range and VS1 or VS2.

Do you think it would be wiser for me to find the larger stone and nix the halo?

 

[finallylooking]

I have a Princess of Hearts from GOG - and it is WOW! Holy sparkles! I've compared to many different diamonds and it's just incredible. One caveat I will throw out there is when I first got it in the "ring holder" loose - I didn't see the full potential of the stone since it's .88 and much of the stone was covered by the huge ring holder prongs. It didn't fully let loose it's sparkle and fire power until I got it back in a bezel setting (see avatar). FYI, my ring in the avatar was under $4300 with the halo setting.

It's up to you if you like round or square. Kenny's explanation was fantastic and will also help you make a decision. I was worried to give up sparkle power with a square and debated rounds, but am so glad I got the POH. It's really personal preference. Rubybeth had a ton of great suggestions - Gabriel & Co and Beverley K offer great quality value for the money.

In addition, in a diamond where the facets really outshine the flaws - you will not see many flaws. My POH is an I1 (which I PROUDLY tell everyone!) and you CANNOT see it. I would highly recommend going lower in clarity for the value. I understand it may be a cultural thing, but I doubt anyone will ask the clarity once they see the SPARKLE of a well cut diamond!

Can you see GOG's .8 J POH - it's in the $3k range. The .91 J is in the $4400 range.

So excited! I love helping people on a budget!

First, I actually found your ring this morning (not to sound creepy haha) and its gorgeous!

You hit the nail right on the head! I'm not a fan of "round." We were looking for ovals originally but they just didnt sparkle enough and I was afraid of ordering a stone with the bowtie effect. BF liked the sparkle of the round- as did I. Then the man helping us showed us the Dream/POH (from Hearts on Fire) and we both loved it. But he continued on telling us about how with the (lowball, fake) budget my BF gave him that we'd be sacrificing on the size of the stone so it would have good quality and a boring setting. Not to mention, the stone he showed us looked very dark. That's how I stumbled upon GOG when trying to find it online. So I'd like the POH instead of having a straight up round diamond. Unless he went for the Solasfera because they are verrry pretty. I'd love either. The Jubilee also seems very similar to POH.

TBH I think he wants to 'outdo' his brother who proposed last year. .52 BN Signature Ideal E-VVS1 on the petite pave band in wg. But it seems current market prices are not on our side.

How would you find out the diagonal?

 

[finallylooking]

There is also this Solasfera which is a tad bigger for $3300
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8409/

 

[milton333]

Just some observations that might help with your search.

My original engagement ring was a 1/2 carat stone from Kay Jewelers. It was a 100-faceted patented cut. Not certified, and I never knew the color grade until I had it appraised this year. It appraised as a J/K in color. I never noticed any color in this diamond in all the 15 years that I wore it, and no one ever commented on tint to me. The appraiser said that the faceting pattern made the stone very bright and "hid" color, such that it was very hard for him, a gemologist, to assign a color grade from the face-up position.

This is that stone, now set in a halo pendant. (On color, this is the J/K center surrounded by F/G melee stones)



A couple more things about size - even on small fingers, bigger is better, up to a point, and IMO that point is well above 1 ct. Both color and clarity are harder to observe in smaller stones, simply because our eyes aren't really calibrated to closely scrutinize things so small.

I have since upgraded to a .82 H SI1 "A Cut Above" diamond from Whiteflash. Because it has ideal light performance (AGS0), it appears very bright and white. If I put the diamond under a 10x magnifying loupe, I can just barely see the inclusions. In fact, I really need the "hearts and arrows viewer," which has a red filter, to cause the inclusions to darken enough for me to see them. It is absolutely eye-clean. But the inclusions map on the certificate looks kind of scary, and super-magnified pictures (like what you're looking at in your search) would show things that I absolutely cannot see with my own eyes, no matter how close I get to the stone. If clarity is a "mind clean" issue for you, that is what it is. But if what you want is a stone that you can't see flaws in, it's worth considering SI grades, because you can get bigger and/or better color for the same price when you drop in clarity. This is why, when you're buying online, it helps to have a trusted vendor that can eyeball the stone for you and tell you if it's eyeclean, or maybe take a "real life perspective" photo or video for you to see. Don't rely solely on inclusion plots and super-magnified images, you'll be passing up diamonds that are great values.

Here's an option that's .78 F SI1 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728091.htm $3842 with Pricescope and wire discounts. You'd have to ask if it's eye clean to your standards, but it's AGS Ideal for light performance, just misses being AGS Ideal across the board by getting "excellent" instead of "ideal" for polish, and will still be a beautiful diamond.

.774 H SI1 A Cut Above diamond that's already been reviewed and found to be eye clean http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2763664.htm

.75 H VS2 H&A stone, $3743 wire http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489177.asp

It seems like you're finding your way around GOG, so I'm not posting any of their stones, but it's a great vendor and you'll do well with them, too.

 

[chamois]

If you are leaning towards a round stone have you also considered an AVR from GOG ? I wish they were around when I purchased my AGS Ideal E VVS1.

 

[rubybeth]

I completely follow with how my finger size will affect the look of the ring. These are the settings we are mainly attracted t:. http://www.stuller.com/products/121981/?groupId=113148 (have seen some of their line in person but not this one)
http://www.sylviecollection.com/detail/round-brilliant-diamonds-engagement-ring_280.html (have seen in person)
http://www.trueknots.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=5018&priceRange=0x999999 (seeing tonight)

Gabriel seems to have some nice settings I'll have to take a look at. We had planned to take the stone we choose to be set at a local store but we're open to ordering online.

I actually don't care for to much pave on the sides because I find it scratchy. I'd prefer to have detail within the gold or just a plain shank. However, my boyfriend feels a plain shank is too plain.

I like the settings you posted, and that style would look good with a square center stone. I'd recommend not having the stone set locally because it is just easier to buy stone and setting from the same vendor and have them set it, without getting the loose stone insured during the setting process (eats into your budget, too) since most setters will not take responsibility for chipping a diamond during setting. OH, and I love the idea of rose gold. That will really make the diamond color even less important, since there's a school of thought that a stone will pick up a bit of the surrounding metal color, and there's another school that thinks warmer metal colors make diamonds look whiter. Seriously, an H-I stone will still look white, esp. in a rose gold setting.

And I have to say: if you love a plain shank with a halo because you find melee diamonds on the shank scratchy, GET A PLAIN SHANK! Your boyfriend will not be wearing the ring every day, and seriously, you will not see the diamonds between your fingers. I actually have a right hand ring that mostly languishes in my jewelry box because the diamonds on the shank are so scratchy that it literally gives me a rash every time I wear it. I love the ring but wish I'd thought of that before getting that setting! One way to convince your boyfriend might be to say you can get a wedding band with diamonds to match the halo diamonds, so it will bling it up a bit more.

This is another of my favorite settings: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm and this is the matching band, but they could probably customize to make it so there are only diamonds on the top and not between your fingers: http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-bands/halo-diamond-wedding-band-1142.htm

 

[webdiva]

First, I actually found your ring this morning (not to sound creepy haha) and its gorgeous!

You hit the nail right on the head! I'm not a fan of "round." We were looking for ovals originally but they just didnt sparkle enough and I was afraid of ordering a stone with the bowtie effect. BF liked the sparkle of the round- as did I. Then the man helping us showed us the Dream/POH (from Hearts on Fire) and we both loved it. But he continued on telling us about how with the (lowball, fake) budget my BF gave him that we'd be sacrificing on the size of the stone so it would have good quality and a boring setting. Not to mention, the stone he showed us looked very dark. That's how I stumbled upon GOG when trying to find it online. So I'd like the POH instead of having a straight up round diamond. Unless he went for the Solasfera because they are verrry pretty. I'd love either. The Jubilee also seems very similar to POH.

TBH I think he wants to 'outdo' his brother who proposed last year. .52 BN Signature Ideal E-VVS1 on the petite pave band in wg. But it seems current market prices are not on our side.

How would you find out the diagonal?

Hehe - not creepy! Thank you - glad you like it!

I know what it's like to be on a budget and want something stunning, so I'll share all my tips and tricks to save you stress, time and money!

The diagonal is sometimes on the certificates - but GOG can also tell you. You can "outdo" his brother with both quality of stone and setting. GOG can get Gabriel&Co or Bev K to customize the setting to your wants and needs. All come in rose gold and can be customized to the stone shape/size. In effect, they are all "custom made". All are much more delicate and pretty in person - even my pics don't do my ring justice! Have you tried it on with your coloring? I loved rose gold and passed because it looked terrible on me.

So your options are round diamond, cushion shaped halo or POH/Jubilee with a halo. If you don't like round, I dunno if you'd like a round in a cushion halo - you'll have to decide that. I personally would have been disappointed. BTW, I haven't found quality pave "scratchy", btw.

Honestly, save your money and get it set with GOG or another PS approved vendor - it'll be easier and cheaper! Once you've tried on similar settings, you know what it looks like. Anyone here can attest to the quality of settings at any of the vendors and we can advise on your final choices.

Some Gabriel &Co Choices (budget about 20% less than MSRP - most vendors discount the price):
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ - MSRP - $1715
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7525W44JJ - MSRP - $1825 (a little more ornate undergallery)
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7811W44JJ - MSRP - $965 - spice it up with a more ornate wedding ring
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7925W83JJ - MSRP - $1990 - a little something on the side but no pave - wedding ring wont' be flush though.
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8873W44JJ- MSRP- $2200 -similar to one you posted
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8174W44JJ - MSRP $2275 - doublehalo - holy finger coverage!

more! http://www.beverleyk.com/ - don't let the chunky, blobby pics fool you - the quality rivals that of Tacori, etc.

Milton's pic is a great example - check out those J POH's at GOG! You won't notice color or clarity as much in a super ideal cut diamond...the cut will outshine it all!

 

[webdiva]

Did you see the .86 I SI2 Jubilee?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9440/

Don't let the pics fool you - you can't see the inclusions in person, I bet. Get GOG to make video with your top choices!

For reference - check out my scary microscope pic on my diamond! http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3443

 

[ame]

If you loved the PoH I would go with that, but those Solasferas are AWESOME.

I wear a Star129, which GOG also sells. I personally love these "modified" superideals like that, I find a regular H&A boring. The faceting is super cool, and unique.

 

[finallylooking]

I like the settings you posted, and that style would look good with a square center stone. I'd recommend not having the stone set locally because it is just easier to buy stone and setting from the same vendor and have them set it, without getting the loose stone insured during the setting process (eats into your budget, too) since most setters will not take responsibility for chipping a diamond during setting. OH, and I love the idea of rose gold. That will really make the diamond color even less important, since there's a school of thought that a stone will pick up a bit of the surrounding metal color, and there's another school that thinks warmer metal colors make diamonds look whiter. Seriously, an H-I stone will still look white, esp. in a rose gold setting.

And I have to say: if you love a plain shank with a halo because you find melee diamonds on the shank scratchy, GET A PLAIN SHANK! Your boyfriend will not be wearing the ring every day, and seriously, you will not see the diamonds between your fingers. I actually have a right hand ring that mostly languishes in my jewelry box because the diamonds on the shank are so scratchy that it literally gives me a rash every time I wear it. I love the ring but wish I'd thought of that before getting that setting! One way to convince your boyfriend might be to say you can get a wedding band with diamonds to match the halo diamonds, so it will bling it up a bit more.

This is another of my favorite settings: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm and this is the matching band, but they could probably customize to make it so there are only diamonds on the top and not between your fingers: http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-bands/halo-diamond-wedding-band-1142.htm

Thanks for the heads up on the local jeweler front! If we did take it to any jeweler it'd probably be the one my dad deals with for everything. We'll be seeing him on Saturday to check out Stuller settings so I'll ask him then.

I've never heard of the color looking whiter in rose gold but that's awesome to hear! In that case, would you say to do the whole ring in rose gold or keep the head in platinum??

I'm pretty sure I'll win on the pave since I get to give him a few settings I like to choose from. I think he mostly wants there to be detail on the part of my finger where the band will show. I won't touch a setting that has the 'eternity' look to it.

 

[finallylooking]

Hehe - not creepy! Thank you - glad you like it!

I know what it's like to be on a budget and want something stunning, so I'll share all my tips and tricks to save you stress, time and money!

The diagonal is sometimes on the certificates - but GOG can also tell you. You can "outdo" his brother with both quality of stone and setting. GOG can get Gabriel&Co or Bev K to customize the setting to your wants and needs. All come in rose gold and can be customized to the stone shape/size. In effect, they are all "custom made". All are much more delicate and pretty in person - even my pics don't do my ring justice! Have you tried it on with your coloring? I loved rose gold and passed because it looked terrible on me.

So your options are round diamond, cushion shaped halo or POH/Jubilee with a halo. If you don't like round, I dunno if you'd like a round in a cushion halo - you'll have to decide that. I personally would have been disappointed. BTW, I haven't found quality pave "scratchy", btw.

Honestly, save your money and get it set with GOG or another PS approved vendor - it'll be easier and cheaper! Once you've tried on similar settings, you know what it looks like. Anyone here can attest to the quality of settings at any of the vendors and we can advise on your final choices.

Some Gabriel &Co Choices (budget about 20% less than MSRP - most vendors discount the price):
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ - MSRP - $1715
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7525W44JJ - MSRP - $1825 (a little more ornate undergallery)
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7811W44JJ - MSRP - $965 - spice it up with a more ornate wedding ring
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7925W83JJ - MSRP - $1990 - a little something on the side but no pave - wedding ring wont' be flush though.
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8873W44JJ- MSRP- $2200 -similar to one you posted
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8174W44JJ - MSRP $2275 - doublehalo - holy finger coverage!

more! http://www.beverleyk.com/ - don't let the chunky, blobby pics fool you - the quality rivals that of Tacori, etc.

Milton's pic is a great example - check out those J POH's at GOG! You won't notice color or clarity as much in a super ideal cut diamond...the cut will outshine it all!

I have tried the rose gold and with my pastey skin it looks amazing! i thought about going with white but BF likes how the rose gold warms my skin up. I did find a few settings on Beverley K that looked great and I really like the 2nd and 3rd you posted!

Milton's pic did change my mind a bit about the color. Plus if rose gold makes rings look whiter, thats an added bonus.

 

[Rhino]

I have a Princess of Hearts from GOG - and it is WOW! Holy sparkles! I've compared to many different diamonds and it's just incredible. One caveat I will throw out there is when I first got it in the "ring holder" loose - I didn't see the full potential of the stone since it's .88 and much of the stone was covered by the huge ring holder prongs. It didn't fully let loose it's sparkle and fire power until I got it back in a bezel setting (see avatar). FYI, my ring in the avatar was under $4300 with the halo setting.

It's up to you if you like round or square. Kenny's explanation was fantastic and will also help you make a decision. I was worried to give up sparkle power with a square and debated rounds, but am so glad I got the POH. It's really personal preference. Rubybeth had a ton of great suggestions - Gabriel & Co and Beverley K offer great quality value for the money.

In addition, in a diamond where the facets really outshine the flaws - you will not see many flaws. My POH is an I1 (which I PROUDLY tell everyone!) and you CANNOT see it. I would highly recommend going lower in clarity for the value. I understand it may be a cultural thing, but I doubt anyone will ask the clarity once they see the SPARKLE of a well cut diamond!

Can you see GOG's .8 J POH - it's in the $3k range. The .91 J is in the $4400 range.

So excited! I love helping people on a budget!

First, I actually found your ring this morning (not to sound creepy haha) and its gorgeous!

You hit the nail right on the head! I'm not a fan of "round." We were looking for ovals originally but they just didnt sparkle enough and I was afraid of ordering a stone with the bowtie effect. BF liked the sparkle of the round- as did I. Then the man helping us showed us the Dream/POH (from Hearts on Fire) and we both loved it. But he continued on telling us about how with the (lowball, fake) budget my BF gave him that we'd be sacrificing on the size of the stone so it would have good quality and a boring setting. Not to mention, the stone he showed us looked very dark. That's how I stumbled upon GOG when trying to find it online. So I'd like the POH instead of having a straight up round diamond. Unless he went for the Solasfera because they are verrry pretty. I'd love either. The Jubilee also seems very similar to POH.

TBH I think he wants to 'outdo' his brother who proposed last year. .52 BN Signature Ideal E-VVS1 on the petite pave band in wg. But it seems current market prices are not on our side.

How would you find out the diagonal?

Hi fl,

Caught your post and question. If you'd like to know the diagonal measurement on any square just drop us an email asking and we'll be happy to let you know. Also for clarification, while we list Princess of Hearts, Solasfera's, Star129's etc. on our site that are in house we have access to quite a bit more that you don't see online.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[finallylooking]

Hi fl,

Caught your post and question. If you'd like to know the diagonal measurement on any square just drop us an email asking and we'll be happy to let you know. Also for clarification, while we list Princess of Hearts, Solasfera's, Star129's etc. on our site that are in house we have access to quite a bit more that you don't see online.

Kind regards,
Rhino[/quote]

Thanks for the heads up! I reached back out to the wonderful associate I've been talking to to see what other Solasferas are available and in our budget.