Tips and hints for purchasing a yellow diamond for engagement ring?

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Hi everyone. I apologize if this topic has been beat to death. I tried to search for a sticky or previous threads, but wasn't having much luck.

I'd previously been posting on the colored stones forum looking at yellow sapphires for an engagement ring. However, I've recently been thinking about looking at yellow diamonds too. I realize yellow diamonds and sapphires have different looks, but I like the diamond look as well. They're also a bit more durable and selection is better as they're more popular.

Here are some specifications my boyfriend and I have:

1. Stone budget of around 3K maximum. 4K for the stone and setting. I'd rather spend more on the stone and set it in a simple solitaire. We can always upgrade the setting later down the road. I'd like it set in yellow gold.
2. Color range of fancy yellow to fancy vivid. Would be willing to do fancy light if it's closer to the fancy yellow side of things. I don't want fancy deep.
3. I like pears, cushions, and ovals. I'm not as keen on radiants. I love emeralds and asschers but that probably isn't too realistic in yellow as they're not as common.
4. Carat weight of at least .5

Any suggestions for vendors? I've been looking at Diamonds by Lauren and Liebish. I'm more concerned about discerning a good cut. I know ASET images are used for fancy cuts, but are they use for fancy colors as well? I want to make sure the cut is excellent and analyzing table depth and other measurements seems more difficult with colored diamonds. Are there any general rules?

Congrats if you made it to the end of this novel! Any specific diamond suggestions that meet my criteria would also be greatly appreciated.

This loose one caught my eye, but no idea how it is in terms of quality. I like the larger chunkier facets. I prefer that over the crushed ice look.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ancy-yellow-si2-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-r7241

These three rings also interested me:

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ight-yellow-emerald-cut-gia-rare-beauty-r4966

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ly-flawless-cushion-cut-gia-yellow-halo-r5650

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...yellow-si1-cushion-cut-diamond-ring-gia-r6880

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

I forgot to add clarity. As long as it's eye clean, and any inclusions/flaws don't detract from the overall beauty and performance, that is enough for me. I don't want any obvious carbon inclusions and would prefer a bright and even color. I really dislike when the color looks washed out in certain areas or darker. Hopefully that makes sense!

Niel · Jun 3, 2017

Marquise?

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Not opposed to them at all. I actually own a graduated marquise right hand diamond ring.

SimoneDi · Jun 3, 2017

When it comes to fancy color diamonds, the color is obviously the most important attribute. You see many of them cut in cushion and radiant shapes because those tend to hold the color the best. It is nice to find a well-cut fancy colored stone, but most of them are cut for color, not cut, as that is the most valuable feature. I personally dislike emeral and any other step cuts in fancy colors as they just don't display the color well. Cushions are lovely, but deep and face up smaller. My recommendation would be to go for a pear or an oval to optimize size.

With that said, I do like the first diamond that you posted. It has lovely make and it is a nice size at just under a carat!

Some other suggestions:
This stone does not have the best cut, but I love the color and I was actually looking at it for a project. I can dig out some extra pictures that Leibish sent me: http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-22744

Another pear:http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-28992
Some light leakage is visible, but I like the color and it has a nice face up size.

This goes a bit over budget, but I love FVY! The color is amazing: http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-vivid-yellow-oval-26561 (ps I have a small FIY diamond and I dream for a fancy vivid yellow!) If you like this stone and are concerned about the price, I would reach out to Leibish and see if they are willing to do something about it. They are very nice to work with.

If you are still considering a yellow sapphire. This is an amazing precision cut, untreated sapphire. I wish I had extra funds just to buy it

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...ntreated-yellow-sapphire-cut-by-peter-torraca

Niel · Jun 3, 2017

Can you offer on this.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ia-fly-fancy-yellow-diamond-18k-yg-ring;15961

SimoneDi · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
Can you offer on this.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ia-fly-fancy-yellow-diamond-18k-yg-ring;15961

I forgot about that one! Great find.

Niel · Jun 3, 2017

It's a radiant but a second hand designer setting with a gia certificate
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1512700-114444/Simon-G-71-Natural-Fancy-Yellow?search=1

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

SimoneDi said:
When it comes to fancy color diamonds, the color is obviously the most important attribute. You see many of them cut in cushion and radiant shapes because those tend to hold the color the best. It is nice to find a well-cut fancy colored stone, but most of them are cut for color, not cut, as that is the most valuable feature. I personally dislike emeral and any other step cuts in fancy colors as they just don't display the color well. Cushions are lovely, but deep and face up smaller. My recommendation would be to go for a pear or an oval to optimize size.

With that said, I do like the first diamond that you posted. It has lovely make and it is a nice size at just under a carat!

Some other suggestions:
This stone does not have the best cut, but I love the color and I was actually looking at it for a project. I can dig out some extra pictures that Leibish sent me: http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-22744

Another pear:http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-28992
Some light leakage is visible, but I like the color and it has a nice face up size.

This goes a bit over budget, but I love FVY! The color is amazing: http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-vivid-yellow-oval-26561 (ps I have a small FIY diamond and I dream for a fancy vivid yellow!) If you like this stone and are concerned about the price, I would reach out to Leibish and see if they are willing to do something about it. They are very nice to work with.

If you are still considering a yellow sapphire. This is an amazing precision cut, untreated sapphire. I wish I had extra funds just to buy it
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...ntreated-yellow-sapphire-cut-by-peter-torraca

I like everything about the first pair, except the bow tie (?) happening towards the fat end. I realize though that this may be somewhat inevitable with that cut.

The second is a bit more than I think we'd want to spend. I like the cut of the third, but the color actually might be too much for me? A little too dark and brown?

I'll have to look at that sapphire. My top two contenders are actually still available.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
Can you offer on this.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ia-fly-fancy-yellow-diamond-18k-yg-ring;15961

Oooooo. That is stunning. I know David Klass is very respected on here for his work. The setting is very similar to a Heidi Gibson setting I was interested in. I almost wonder if it might be TOO big with the added halo. Boyfriend and I are planning on going out tomorrow and trying things on just to see how we feel about different sizes and looks. That looks incrediblely well priced though.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
Can you offer on this.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ia-fly-fancy-yellow-diamond-18k-yg-ring;15961

This is the Heidi Hibson setting I was interested in. A very similar aesthetic. This semimount was around $3,000 though, so the Klass ring is certainly easier on the wallet.

Niel · Jun 3, 2017

hobbitfancier55 said:
Oooooo. That is stunning. I know David Klass is very respected on here for his work. The setting is very similar to a Heidi Gibson setting I was interested in. I almost wonder if it might be TOO big with the added halo. Boyfriend and I are planning on going out tomorrow and trying things on just to see how we feel about different sizes and looks. That looks incrediblely well priced though.

No such thing as too big.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
It's a radiant but a second hand designer setting with a gia certificate
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1512700-114444/Simon-G-71-Natural-Fancy-Yellow?search=1

I'm personally not a fan of the rose gold/ pink diamonds paired with the yellow. Lovely ring for the right person though.

SimoneDi · Jun 3, 2017

hobbitfancier55 said:
I like everything about the first pair, except the bow tie (?) happening towards the fat end. I realize though that this may be somewhat inevitable with that cut.

The second is a bit more than I think we'd want to spend. I like the cut of the third, but the color actually might be too much for me? A little too dark and brown?

I'll have to look at that sapphire. My top two contenders are actually still available.

I found some of the pics I asked them to send me of the first stone, they are all phone quality so not great, but I think that it will give you a better idea. I was going to put a yellow gold undergallery to accentuate the color.

I still love the fancy vivid yellow! GIA didn't comment on any brown, so I wouldn't call it brown, it is just a deep yellow.

The ring that Neil suggested is lovely, too! I like the overall look (and price) of that one.

Ok here are some additional pics:

Niel · Jun 3, 2017

Her prices are absurd. She makes 80s style settings you could buy all over eBay for a song. I had a 2 CT stunning sapphire in a setting that was exactly like an HG design and it cost 650.

If you want an 80s style Halo we can see if we can't find a mount on eBay.

SimoneDi · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
Her prices are absurd. She makes 80s style settings you could buy all over eBay for a song. I had a 2 CT stunning sapphire in a setting that was exactly like an HG design and it cost 650.

If you want an 80s style Halo we can see if we can't find a mount on eBay.

Neil, you seriously crack me up

And I totally agree that her pricess are baloney. You can find plenty of pre-loved retro settings online.

P.S. Neil, can you help me find my stolen ring on eBay?

You find everything!

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

Niel said:
No such thing as too big.

As soon as I typed that I went "what am I thinking, this is Pricescope

". I've heard diamond shrinkage syndrome is a real thing

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

This is exactly what I was thinking. It just seemed ridiculous. I figured if I ended up wanting to go with that design I could easily have a jeweler make one much cheaper. It's a very simple design so I can't imagine it would be difficult.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 3, 2017

SimoneDi said:
I found some of the pics I asked them to send me of the first stone, they are all phone quality so not great, but I think that it will give you a better idea. I was going to put a yellow gold undergallery to accentuate the color.

I still love the fancy vivid yellow! GIA didn't comment on any brown, so I wouldn't call it brown, it is just a deep yellow.

The ring that Neil suggested is lovely, too! I like the overall look (and price) of that one.

Ok here are some additional pics:

It looks much better here. That color is great. How much would you imagine a setting like this would run? If i had it made elsewhere.

SimoneDi · Jun 3, 2017

hobbitfancier55 said:
It looks much better here. That color is great. How much would you imagine a setting like this would run? If i had it made elsewhere.

I would reach out to David Klass actually and ask for a quote. He is very nice, reasonable and responsive and he will do a much better job on the prongs. It will also depend on the stones you want to use. 1 or 2 halos, etc.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 4, 2017

How do you feel about this pear in comparison?

http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-22915

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 4, 2017

Another that caught my eye. Primarily the shape is what allured me. Very unique

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...-si1-cushion-modified-brilliant-diamond-r7506

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 4, 2017

This pear is right at .51 and doesn't seem to have too much of the bow tie going on. What do y'all think of this?

http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-26882

Niel · Jun 4, 2017

Do could make that setting for you well for 1250-2000

SimoneDi · Jun 4, 2017

hobbitfancier55 said:
How do you feel about this pear in comparison?

http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-22915

I don't like this stone, it has too much of a "mush" and bow-tie in the middle. Also, the color is paler. Overall, it would be a no for me.

hobbitfancier55 said:
Another that caught my eye. Primarily the shape is what allured me. Very unique

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...-si1-cushion-modified-brilliant-diamond-r7506

This is an interesting stone. One thing to note is that it has a medium blue flourescense which will "fire" whenever surrounded by UV light. I would ask David for a comparing picture next to a window. I also think that you need to decide for yourself which shape you like the most, you will be wearing it for a long time.

hobbitfancier55 said:
This pear is right at .51 and doesn't seem to have too much of the bow tie going on. What do y'all think of this?

http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-26882

This is a nice stone, the color is pretty, you are paying more for the VVS2, I would personally prefer something with a higher carat unless this is exactly what you want.

Niel · Jun 4, 2017

I might low ball this see how low they'll take. In theory you should be able to afford a 5.5mm round with 3500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222404399569
I

Niel · Jun 4, 2017

I lowballed them at 300 to see what they would return at. They countered 800. If it were you I'd start at 400 and try and to get then to agree to closer to 500. Though first I'd email diamonds by Lauren and see what they could do to find a 5.5mm round for about 3200+3300 (you'd want a few hundred to have it sized and set)

msop04 · Jun 4, 2017

Niel said:
I might low ball this see how low they'll take. In theory you should be able to afford a 5.5mm round with 3500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222404399569
I

That looks EXACTLY like a Heidi Gibson design and would look great with a yellow stone... great find, Niel!

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 4, 2017

Ok everyone. So SO and I came back from looking at rings today, and we both liked the pear we tried on the best. He didn't think he would like it, but should have trusted my taste from the beginning

Seeing it in person totally changed his mind.

We tried on the Tiffany soleste pear with a .59 center stone. They didn't have the yellow diamond version of that to try on, but I tried on yellow diamonds in their other styles, so I know I want a yellow pear. We obviously WILL NOT be buying from there, but at least this helped us decide what I really wanted.

With that being said, I feel this is the top contender so far:
http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-26882

Thoughts?

This is another half carat pear, but what do we think of it? Is the clarity of it going to be an issue in person? I can definitely see the difference in clarity compared to the VVS2. It's $500 less.

http://www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-pear-26210

The half carat looked plenty large on my hand, but of course a little larger wouldn't hurt either. If y'all see any other pears you think are better, please let me know. You guys are much more experienced. I like the color of the pear Simone posted, just not a fan of the cut being a little wonky.

The Tiffany style I tried on (but in white diamond) for reference. I actually loved this setting. Not sure how much it would run. I could even do the halo without the pave on the band.

hobbitfancier55 · Jun 4, 2017

One other pear from Diamonds by Lauren for your consideration.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...fancy-yellow-si1-pear-shape-diamond-gia-r7266

Tips and hints for purchasing a yellow diamond for engagement ring?

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