Thoughts on these two engagement rings...

[need_diamond_help]

I would like your thoughts regarding these two three-stone engagement rings I have found at a couple local Jewelry shops

#1 - Three-Stone, Round Cut, F/G color, SI1, Center Stone: .74ct, Total Weight: 1.82ct, 18k white gold setting
#2 - Three-Stone, Round Cut, F Color, SI1, Center Stone: .76ct, Total Weight: 1.48ct, 14k white gold setting

They seem pretty similar color/cut wise. The side stones are a little bigger in ring #1 and ring #1 offers an 18k setting vs a 14k setting.

Now the prices:
#1 - $9000
#2 - $6000

Am I missing something here? Why the $3000 difference in price? I can''t imagine an 18k setting and .10-.15 bigger side stones would cost me $3000 but I''m no expert.

Please help.

 

[MWG]

Date: 7/27/2007 11:28:02 AM
Author:need_diamond_help
I would like your thoughts regarding these two three-stone engagement rings I have found at a couple local Jewelry shops

#1 - Three-Stone, Round Cut, F/G color, SI1, Center Stone: .74ct, Total Weight: 1.82ct, 18k white gold setting
#2 - Three-Stone, Round Cut, F Color, SI1, Center Stone: .76ct, Total Weight: 1.48ct, 14k white gold setting

They seem pretty similar color/cut wise. The side stones are a little bigger in ring #1 and ring #1 offers an 18k setting vs a 14k setting.

Now the prices:
#1 - $9000
#2 - $6000

Am I missing something here? Why the $3000 difference in price? I can''t imagine an 18k setting and .10-.15 bigger side stones would cost me $3000 but I''m no expert.

Please help.

B&M have different price mark ups. Honestly, I will pass on both of them. The reason being is that you buy diamonds "loose" not mounted.

Are these diamonds certified by GIA or AGS etc?

What is the cut of the diamonds?

If you search PS you could have a 3 stone ring made especially for you with ideal cut diamonds for the money you are paying, in fact, less.

If you have any questions, just ask
MWG

 

[chrono]

I would prefer to hand pick my loose diamond, then have it mounted in the ring. This way I can:
1. Double check the cut of the stone
2. Have the colour and clarity verified
3. More diamonds to select from rather than be stuck with only the one in the ring.

 

[need_diamond_help]

Thanks for the great advice guys.

I''m definitely going to browse online. I''m thinking a center stone between .75-.85 in the ''A Cut Above'' choices on Whiteflash. What do you think would be ideal size for the side stones?

There is a setting that already comes with two ''A Cut Above'' sidestones (approx. .5ct TW) Is .25 too small?

 

[chrono]

Nope, not too small. You want the sidestone to be large enough to provide some bling but not too large to compete with the center stone.

 

[need_diamond_help]

What do you think of this setting?

''Trois Brillant'' three-stone engagement ring - Three exquisitely cut diamonds comprise a ring that glows with resplendent brilliance. For this three-stone ring, we provide you with the two ''A Cut Above'' side stones (approx. 0.50ctw; Color: F/G, Clarity: VS), and we let you choose what’s nestled in the center (up to 2.00cts). For maximum brilliance, consider a stone from our ‘Expert Selection’ or ‘A Cut Above (ACA)’ diamond collections. Width: 2.5mm.

It already has the two sidestones. Or should I purchase the side stones individually as well?

I''m eyeing a .838ct, VS2, F color, ''A Cut Above'' stone for the center.

 

[chrono]

I would let WF choose the sidestones. It''s your pick if you want their ACA or ES stones. Both are gorgeous.

 

[need_diamond_help]

Date: 7/27/2007 2:02:21 PM
Author: Chrono
I would let WF choose the sidestones. It''s your pick if you want their ACA or ES stones. Both are gorgeous.

Thanks Chrono.

Which do you feel is more important, better clarity or better color? I''ve been pricing SI1, stones in the D-F color range, is there anything wrong with that combination? Should I jump to VS1 or VS2?

 

[chrono]

I''d go for more colour (up to a certain point) over clarity as long as it is eye clean. In RBs, you can get away with a lot more, in both clarity AND colour. VS1 is overkill in an RB. VS2 if you must but an eye clean SI1 is plenty good.

Some people really like D but F is good enough for me. Actually, I also like colours all the way up to J in RBs.