Start with I color and upgrade later?

[MoonWater]

Alright, I'm having a small dilemma which I can't really discuss with my ff just yet. We're going to have WF do a round version of the Tiffany Legacy. The pave' stones will be F-G, and I originally said I wanted between G-H for the center stone. Yesterday I found an I-color that was well below budget and I was wondering if it would work. I thought it would be cool if it had a bit of warmth adding to the antique feel. But then I thought, what if I don't like it? But then I thought again, WF has a lifetime trade up policy. I could always change it, right? Note: I'm only looking at AGS ideal stones.

So, would you start with the I stone to see if you like it and just switch to a higher color later if you didn't? By the way, the stone would be about $600 less than what we originally planned to spend. I'm thinking with the cost of platinum going up, maybe this would be a good option.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you should get the color you think you want long term. I wouldn''t want to be changing out a stone in a halo. If the pave is F-G, then I probably wouldn''t go below H for the center.

 

[MoonWater]

Hmm...I didn''t consider the issue with the halo as far as changing diamonds. Thanks for pointing that out. I suppose it isn''t a very good idea, especially if I don''t know if I''d like the I.

 

[Missrocks]

The halo is one issue. I would also think in a long term aspect, as I am more of a sentimental person. Plus, with the rising prices of diamonds, it may be a better deal to get that higher color now, given it will surely be higher in a few years.
For me "I" is a bit to warm, especially in that crisp, white halo.

 

[Jenn5504]

I think you might be surprised at how white an I faces up. I have owned a H, a J and now a K. I is really a great color IMO. I think I would be a perfect "forever" color in an ideal cut RB.

 

[swingirl]

I have an H with F-G pave around it and I notice the warm color in some lighting. It doesn''t bother me at all and I''ve gotten many compliments on my ring. However, if the warmer color is going to bother you and you will always be thinking of an upgrade and comparing the I to the nearby F-G pave, you''d be better off looking for another stone that is exactly what you want.

The cost of resetting will be additional plus shipping, insurance, etc. Not to mention the cost of diamonds going up and you''ll be getting the original value back on your stone.

The vendors get new stones all the time.

 

[MoonWater]

Missrocks: You may be right, the I could be too warm in the "crisp, white halo." I just thought I may like the look. Also, I never considered the rising price of diamonds but do know as we wait, the plaitinum price keeps going up by hundreds of dollars eek!

Jenn: I was thinking it may face up really white as well. I''ve seen so many Js and Ks here and I was astounded at how white they were. But now I''m worried that the halo would be an issue if it turns out I don''t like it.

swingirl: You''re probably right about waiting, the problem is WF doesn''t seem to get new stones all the time, at least not with the specs I''m looking for. I search nearly every day. Although, I''m not even suppose to be involved in this process since my bf is suppose to be working this out with WF. But I know he hasn''t found a stone yet and I just can''t help myself. I''m so picky! hehehe

 

[surfgirl]

Well you dont have to only be looking at WF right? Why not look at GOG too? Maybe they have a stone you''d like?

 

[LegacyGirl]

My halo has d-f diamonds with an I cushion. I just picked it up last night and it looks amazing. It does give it a real antique feel but does not look yellow at all... just a slight warmth.

 

[LegacyGirl]

Oh I should add I have a really well cut cushion... that makes all the difference. It faces up really white while a stone that was not cut as well would show more color.

 

[elle_chris]

My 5 stone band has H and I stones (mostly I''s) and my wedding band has F pave on 1 side. I can most definitely see the difference from the side of my I''s, but face up, they look the same color as the pave. (i started wearing the pave side in, towards me because of this) But in a halo, I really wouldn''t worry about your stone since you''re only going to be looking at it face up in the halo.

 

[geo-dale]

H/I marks the boundary of what most jewelers refer to as white and very subtle yellow (at least as far as GIA is concerned),

If you are already thinking about upgrading and you have the money to do it, then go with an H and be done with it.

When one looks at GIA rated stones D-H are very hard to tell apart. Most people are only first able to just pick up a subtle darkening or yellowing of a stone at color I unless very, very closely studying the stone next to one of superior color.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/4/2008 1:20:09 PM
Author: surfgirl
Well you dont have to only be looking at WF right? Why not look at GOG too? Maybe they have a stone you'd like?

GOG actually does have a few stones that I like. The issue is that I've already worked with WF on the custom setting. The CAD is complete, we just need a diamond. Oddly enough, GOG made the ring I showed to WF to do the setting...is that a sign? Haha.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/4/2008 2:42:08 PM
Author: geo-dale

H/I marks the boundary of what most jewelers refer to as white and very subtle yellow (at least as far as GIA is concerned),

If you are already thinking about upgrading and you have the money to do it, then go with an H and be done with it.

The problem is that there are no stones with the specs I want and within the budget we set. Also, I'm only doing a AGS0 diamond. That is something I am not willing to compromise on at all. I guess I just have to be patient (waaahh). Problem is we started talking and decided we'd like to get married this Fall rather than next Fall. The pressure is on.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/4/2008 2:15:23 PM
Author: elle_chris
But in a halo, I really wouldn''t worry about your stone since you''re only going to be looking at it face up in the halo.

Heh, if I could get like 50 more responses like this one I''d be happy! Hahaha. *pout*

 

[kcoursolle]

How about shipping the loose stone to your house before having it set to make a decision? Then you would only be out the shipping charges.

 

[scarlet16]

Date: 3/4/2008 1:57:51 PM
Author: LegacyGirl
Oh I should add I have a really well cut cushion... that makes all the difference. It faces up really white while a stone that was not cut as well would show more color.

Sorry to threadjack but Legacygirl, did you post this anywhere???? We''re all dying to see it!

 

[LegacyGirl]

Date: 3/4/2008 5:40:27 PM
Author: scarlet16

Date: 3/4/2008 1:57:51 PM
Author: LegacyGirl
Oh I should add I have a really well cut cushion... that makes all the difference. It faces up really white while a stone that was not cut as well would show more color.

Sorry to threadjack but Legacygirl, did you post this anywhere???? We''re all dying to see it!

I only have really bad iphone pictures right now which I would be more than happy to email to those who want them. I wasn''t even supposed to see the ring but it took longer than expected and BF is out of town so I had to pick it up.

There will be pics when its officially on my hand.

 

[LegacyGirl]

Oh maybe I got it to work... *crossesfingers*

 

[LegacyGirl]

Oh yay! I emailed it to myself and that worked. Sorry the pic is so bad it was done with an iPhone in very low light. That is all I have now. I''ll post more when I get it but you can see how white it is from that pic. It sparkles like crazy too.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, your ring looks gorgeous, Legacy Girl!

MoonWater, you don''t mean you wouldn''t want a GIA excellent that had AGS0 light performance, right? Because from what I can tell, GIA can sometimes be stricter than AGS. I can understand wanting a stone that is H&A and meets AGS0 criteria, but there are lots of GIA stones that are totally equivalent to AGS graded stones. You''d eliminate a lot of good stones if you only looked at AGS graded stones.

What size stone are you looking for?

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/4/2008 10:41:07 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Wow, your ring looks gorgeous, Legacy Girl!


MoonWater, you don''t mean you wouldn''t want a GIA excellent that had AGS0 light performance, right? Because from what I can tell, GIA can sometimes be stricter than AGS. I can understand wanting a stone that is H&A and meets AGS0 criteria, but there are lots of GIA stones that are totally equivalent to AGS graded stones. You''d eliminate a lot of good stones if you only looked at AGS graded stones.


What size stone are you looking for?

Really? Because I am very much concerned with cut and light performance and thought I''d be safer sticking with AGS. There are plenty of GIA stones available to WF. Maybe I should ask to have them brought in? The CAD is currently configured for a .85 stone, but I''m willing to go to a .80 (no lower, I have a thing for the number 8 and if its not going to be 8 it better be because it''s bigger lol). I really wish I could get my hands on an ACA stone tho. Feel free to offer any more advice/ideas, obviously I don''t have this as worked out as I thought.

And LegacyGirl, holy smokes! That rock is HUGE! How do you hold your hand up?

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 3/4/2008 4:02:30 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 3/4/2008 2:42:08 PM
Author: geo-dale

H/I marks the boundary of what most jewelers refer to as white and very subtle yellow (at least as far as GIA is concerned),

If you are already thinking about upgrading and you have the money to do it, then go with an H and be done with it.

The problem is that there are no stones with the specs I want and within the budget we set. Also, I'm only doing a AGS0 diamond. That is something I am not willing to compromise on at all. I guess I just have to be patient (waaahh). Problem is we started talking and decided we'd like to get married this Fall rather than next Fall. The pressure is on.

Just wanted to gently point out that people can get married without any kind of ring at all. No need to postpone the wedding for want of a diamond.

Wait and get the right diamond to begin with, particularly with an elaborate setting like you are planning. I'd pass on the I, unless you think this will be IT.

I agree, go ahead and look at GIA stones that also meet AGS0 criteria.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/4/2008 11:52:31 PM
Author: Fly Girl

Date: 3/4/2008 4:02:30 PM

Author: MoonWater

Date: 3/4/2008 2:42:08 PM

Author: geo-dale

H/I marks the boundary of what most jewelers refer to as white and very subtle yellow (at least as far as GIA is concerned),

If you are already thinking about upgrading and you have the money to do it, then go with an H and be done with it.

The problem is that there are no stones with the specs I want and within the budget we set. Also, I'm only doing a AGS0 diamond. That is something I am not willing to compromise on at all. I guess I just have to be patient (waaahh). Problem is we started talking and decided we'd like to get married this Fall rather than next Fall. The pressure is on.

Just wanted to gently point out that people can get married without any kind of ring at all. No need to postpone the wedding for want of a diamond.

Wait and get the right diamond to begin with, particularly with an elaborate setting like you are planning. I'd pass on the I, unless you think this will be IT.

Yeah I know, but he really wants me to have the ring. I actually suggested we get married on our 5th anni with no ring at all, which is on April 23rd. He was actually cool with it but after I thought about it, it felt rushed, so he suggested our 5.5 anniversary and wants to have the ring before then.

 

[onvacation]

OP, if it''s possible, and you''re not too attached to any one stone at the moment, I''d personally go with a color that you are comfortable with.

Oh LegacyGirl, your ring is GORGEOUS, and your hands are simply adorable! I don''t know which one I''m more smitten with *swoon* but for sure I can tell your ring is a stunner, even with the blurry pics! Waiting for the proposal while knowing the ring is hidden was just the hardest for me - the best of luck to you!

 

[LegacyGirl]

Thanks guys. I have tiny hands which makes the ring look huge!

Moonwater I hope the picture helped. I''m sorry it was so blurry but it looks like you can see how white the stone looks. It also has a GIA cert so you can find a nice diamond out there with either certification. It took a few months before we found this one (I had been searching and searching then I finally called "The Cushion Guy"

). Good luck with your search

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 3/5/2008 3:52:11 PM
Author: Allison D.
Moon, is the halo you have in mind prong-set or bezel set?


I ask because if it's bezel, I think you'll have no problem dropping down in color. Body color shows mostly in profile, and your profile view on a bezel set would be somewhat obscured.


Here is my halo necklace; the center stone is a J and the melee is standard F/G melee. It faces up very white.


Hope this helps.

Wow, that's pretty freaking white. Is it an ACA diamond? The I, I was eyeing (LOL) was an ideal AGS but not an in house stone so I wonder how it will face up. I'm really not sure what to do at this point. My poor bf is beginning to ask does it really matter (obviously he hasn't read enough of pricescope) and now wants me to take over the diamond process. But maybe it's the flu talking.

I noticed WF got a bunch of .90 in, dangit, bring in the .80s already! I'm determined to stay within the budget!!

ETA: Yes, my ring will be bezel set.

 

[MoonWater]

Hey, what happened to Allison D''s post? I was just checking the pic again to see how white the stone was...