Virgin diamond buyer, haaaaalp

[cinnamoose]

<steps up to the mic... *tap* *tap*> I think I'm in the market to purchase my first diamond.

Back in January 2012, my then boyfriend and I decided it would be cute to take the big leap and get married in Las Vegas on Leap Day. At the time things were somewhat tight financially (Vegas ended up being loads cheaper than a wedding at home), we were already expecting a baby and we only had a 7 week window to get things set up for a Leap Day wedding. The daunting task of searching for a good diamond got pushed to the wayside. We got married with an amethyst ring and called it good. My husband loved the Vegas idea, but I could tell he was a little unnerved about not being able to officially propose and get married with a diamond ring.

Things have been great. We just purchased our dream home and celebrated our ''3rd'' anniversary a couple weeks ago. We've been toying with the idea of going back to Vegas and renewing vows for our first real anniversary next year on Leap Day, but upgrading my ring to do it with a diamond this time. Since I have a year to do it, I have the time to shop smart without rushing.

I've been reading lots here on PS and I think I've narrowed down what I'd like to look for.
*round stone (or OEC if I could even find one)
*around a half carat in size
*I prefer the look of warm J-K stones to icy D-F
*I also seem to be drawn to stones with brown body color and love C2-C3 champagne colors

Budget is what has me stumped. Is it possible to find a good performing ~.5ct stone that fits this criteria for under $1000 or do I need to rethink my budget?

I found this stone for about $750
.43ct K VVS2
4.81 x 4.84 x 3.02
Depth 62.5%
Table 56%
Crown 34.5
Pavilion 41
GIA cut-X
Polish- X
Symmetry- X
Medium Fluorescence
Characteristics: cloud, feather, surface graining

Worth the money? Any suggestions for a nice brown tint or even a C2 or C3 color diamond?

 

[Niel]

<steps up to the mic... *tap* *tap*> I think I'm in the market to purchase my first diamond.

Back in January 2012, my then boyfriend and I decided it would be cute to take the big leap and get married in Las Vegas on Leap Day. At the time things were somewhat tight financially (Vegas ended up being loads cheaper than a wedding at home), we were already expecting a baby and we only had a 7 week window to get things set up for a Leap Day wedding. The daunting task of searching for a good diamond got pushed to the wayside. We got married with an amethyst ring and called it good. My husband loved the Vegas idea, but I could tell he was a little unnerved about not being able to officially propose and get married with a diamond ring.

Things have been great. We just purchased our dream home and celebrated our ''3rd'' anniversary a couple weeks ago. We've been toying with the idea of going back to Vegas and renewing vows for our first real anniversary next year on Leap Day, but upgrading my ring to do it with a diamond this time. Since I have a year to do it, I have the time to shop smart without rushing.

I've been reading lots here on PS and I think I've narrowed down what I'd like to look for.
*round stone (or OEC if I could even find one)
*around a half carat in size
*I prefer the look of warm J-K stones to icy D-F
*I also seem to be drawn to stones with brown body color and love C2-C3 champagne colors

Budget is what has me stumped. Is it possible to find a good performing ~.5ct stone that fits this criteria for under $1000 or do I need to rethink my budget?

I found this stone for about $750
.43ct K VVS2
4.81 x 4.84 x 3.02
Depth 62.5%
Table 56%
Crown 34.5
Pavilion 41
GIA cut-X
Polish- X
Symmetry- X
Medium Fluorescence
Characteristics: cloud, feather, surface graining

Worth the money? Any suggestions for a nice brown tint or even a C2 or C3 color diamond?

is 1k for the setting too?

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Are you planning to buy now, and save the stone to set later? Next year?

Have you tried on many rings? Already decided on diamond shape and stone color? What is your priority?

I ask because inventory changes on a regular basis as do diamond prices. While it is great to plan, a diamond you see now may not be available in the future.

cheers--Sharon

 

[cinnamoose]

is 1k for the setting too?

Nope that budget is for the stone only. I like simple solitaire settings and will probably look at something like this

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...dern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50671

 

[cinnamoose]

HI:

Are you planning to buy now, and save the stone to set later? Next year?

Have you tried on many rings? Already decided on diamond shape and stone color? What is your priority?

I ask because inventory changes on a regular basis as do diamond prices. While it is great to plan, a diamond you see now may not be available in the future.

cheers--Sharon

Yep, I'm looking to buy the stone/setting now. I'd get to wear it now but we'd use it for the renewal ceremony next year. I'm looking for a round stone. (I also love marquise but I'm too worried about getting something with a huge bowtie) I'm not color sensitive in the sense that warm stones bother me. I prefer them actually. I'd love a J-K color stone and even like some champagne tones. Priority is not color though. Looking for the best performer I can get around a half carat or so that's within my $1000 stone budget.

 

[Niel]

if you go to an L you have lots of wiggle room

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-63-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-GR126W

faint brown
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-MPFRM8

 

[cinnamoose]

if you go to an L you have lots of wiggle room

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-63-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-GR126W

faint brown
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-MPFRM8

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I have seen some L colors were beautiful so I'm not afraid to go there. I know these score well in the HCA tool. So if I request to see these in person, do I just rely on what pleases my eyes more at that point?

 

[canuk-gal]

if you go to an L you have lots of wiggle room

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-63-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-GR126W

faint brown
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-MPFRM8

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I have seen some L colors were beautiful so I'm not afraid to go there. I know these score well in the HCA tool. So if I request to see these in person, do I just rely on what pleases my eyes more at that point?

I couldn't see the GIA SI1 plot of inclusions. Besides pleasing color, I'd want to know about grade making inclusions. Eye clean and all that.

PS eye candy here:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/[/URL]

 

[Niel]

You can ask ritani for photos. Also they can tell you their opinions ( if its eye clean, whatnot) then if the photos look goof, I've heard you can get more performance info from them. If not just see them in person. They have like 3 nice settings in the 500-600 range.

 

[cinnamoose]

I couldn't see the GIA SI1 plot of inclusions. Besides pleasing color, I'd want to know about grade making inclusions. Eye clean and all that.

PS eye candy here:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/[/URL]

Eye candy indeed! Thanks for pointing me to that. I'd definitely be looking at inclusions in the S1 clarity stone. I've basically been looking at sites that have the live photos/video etc because I'm not super confident picking something from the sea of stone data.

 

[Niel]

I couldn't see the GIA SI1 plot of inclusions. Besides pleasing color, I'd want to know about grade making inclusions. Eye clean and all that.

PS eye candy here:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/[/URL]

Eye candy indeed! Thanks for pointing me to that. I'd definitely be looking at inclusions in the S1 clarity stone. I've basically been looking at sites that have the live photos/video etc because I'm not super confident picking something from the sea of stone data.

What do you mean you'd be looking at the incisions? They may not be visable to the naked eye. Like I said though, start a live chat or email ritani from their site they'll get you photos

 

[cinnamoose]

I couldn't see the GIA SI1 plot of inclusions. Besides pleasing color, I'd want to know about grade making inclusions. Eye clean and all that.

PS eye candy here:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-warm-colored-diamonds-l-and-lower.210812/[/URL]

Eye candy indeed! Thanks for pointing me to that. I'd definitely be looking at inclusions in the S1 clarity stone. I've basically been looking at sites that have the live photos/video etc because I'm not super confident picking something from the sea of stone data.

What do you mean you'd be looking at the incisions? They may not be visable to the naked eye. Like I said though, start a live chat or email ritani from their site they'll get you photos

Just meant that if I saw the stone in person I'd like the chance to loupe the stone and see what inclusions I could.

 

[cinnamoose]

Will be speaking with one of their virtual gemologists today. Will let you know what I hear. Thanks!

 

[Niel]

Will be speaking with one of their virtual gemologists today. Will let you know what I hear. Thanks!

Ask them about their white gold. If I remember correctly it's nickel free

 

[tyty333]

Try contacting My Diamond Zone. He handles a lot of OECs and lower colors. He is a Pricescope "friend".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-0-67ct-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-5-6MM-DIAMOND-LOOSE-ESTATE-ROUND-MINER-VINTAGE-/171722609997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fb77154d

(Look at this store...tell him you want something that is very sparkly, has good light return and is in a lower color).

He also does settings.

Remember, older cuts are cut deep so you'll want to look at the mm size versus the carat weight of the stone. A half carat in a
round brilliant would be about 5mm I believe.

Love your story...very sweet!

 

[cinnamoose]

Try contacting My Diamond Zone. He handles a lot of OECs and lower colors. He is a Pricescope "friend".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-0-67ct-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-5-6MM-DIAMOND-LOOSE-ESTATE-ROUND-MINER-VINTAGE-/171722609997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fb77154d

(Look at this store...tell him you want something that is very sparkly, has good light return and is in a lower color).

He also does settings.

Remember, older cuts are cut deep so you'll want to look at the mm size versus the carat weight of the stone. A half carat in a
round brilliant would be about 5mm I believe.

Love your story...very sweet!

Awesome! Thank you for the suggestion! I have been trying to look at the actual stone dimensions and figured 5mm was about as small as I wanted to go. My current ring is a 12x8 pear so I'm used to some finger coverage! When I initially thought about replacing it, I was looking at those gems with the double refraction (which shall remain nameless) and that's where I first ran into the OEC cut. I did notice they were deeper and had the smaller tables than regular rounds. I love the cut and that you can usually find them in the lower colors.

 

[cinnamoose]

Here are the photos I was sent of the two Ritani stones recommended.

 

[Niel]

Both look nice, and seem Eye clean. The left seems a bit brighter, but you can't discount the fact its noticeably smaller than the other.

Did the rep say anything?

 

[cinnamoose]

We just got off the phone. She said she could tell the left one had the brown factor right away. She said both were super recommendations with crisp faceting, super light return and show everything you want in a nice diamond. She said at this size anything higher than a VS won't do much for me and to look at clarity last. The right side SI1 stone's inclusions were near the edges and nothing in the center or that was noticeable with the eye. She said I would be happy with either one, but did recommend the SI1 stone based on the tint and getting the bit of a size bump.

 

[Niel]

We just got off the phone. She said she could tell the left one had the brown factor right away. She said both were super recommendations with crisp faceting, super light return and show everything you want in a nice diamond. She said at this size anything higher than a VS won't do much for me and to look at clarity last. The right side SI1 stone's inclusions were near the edges and nothing in the center or that was noticeable with the eye. She said I would be happy with either one, but did recommend the SI1 stone based on the tint and getting the bit of a size bump.

There you go...are you going to get one home to take a look? I've bought and returned from ritani... It was relatively painless as far as returns go.

I totally understand your nickel concern, did you ask about their white gold? Or, are you open to say, rose or yellow?

 

[cinnamoose]

tyty333, I also contacted Ilya at mydiamondzone. I asked about these 3 stones:

61 K SI2 transitional
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400882524164?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

.45 G/H VS transitional
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400882909705?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

.51 J VS2 oec
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400886140624?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

His reply:
In terms of sparkle, the best stone is 0.51ct J VS2 and in 2nd place is the 0.45ct transitional. The 0.45ct is a whiter stone though so overall quality, 0.45ct is the best diamond material. The 0.61ct has the largest spread but it has a larger table than the others. It shows the old style faceting though its not as lively as the other two stones.

 

[cinnamoose]

We just got off the phone. She said she could tell the left one had the brown factor right away. She said both were super recommendations with crisp faceting, super light return and show everything you want in a nice diamond. She said at this size anything higher than a VS won't do much for me and to look at clarity last. The right side SI1 stone's inclusions were near the edges and nothing in the center or that was noticeable with the eye. She said I would be happy with either one, but did recommend the SI1 stone based on the tint and getting the bit of a size bump.

There you go...are you going to get one home to take a look? I've bought and returned from ritani... It was relatively painless as far as returns go.

I totally understand your nickel concern, did you ask about their white gold? Or, are you open to say, rose or yellow?

No nickel sensitivities here, but I had planned on going with yellow gold, possibly rose. I'd prefer that with warmer stones. Going to talk with the hubby about bringing the SI1 in to take a peek at.

 

[Niel]

I just realized that haha! Sorry. Someone has the exact some budget and both usernames start with a c...I got you mixed up, my mistake.

 

[Niel]

If you went with ritani, I'd suggest a setting from them too. I love yellow gold, and I think these are nice options. I don't know what your budget for your setting is, or how much these would be if you paid by wire transfer (they have a little discount if you do,I believe)

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-beaded-engagement-ring-with-surprise-diamonds-in-18kt-yellow-gold/5177

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-tulip-cathedral-engagement-ring-in-18kt-yellow-gold/5552

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-knife-edge-engagement-ring-in-18kt-yellow-gold/5560

 

[cinnamoose]

I just realized that haha! Sorry. Someone has the exact some budget and both usernames start with a c...I got you mixed up, my mistake.

Ha! No problem

I did like their simple tulip cathedral setting your second link points to. I see that I have the option of them mounting that stone in the setting of my choice and sending it off to the store near me to view. Do you still recommend seeing it loose first since the inclusions are near the edges?

 

[Niel]

I just realized that haha! Sorry. Someone has the exact some budget and both usernames start with a c...I got you mixed up, my mistake.

Ha! No problem

I did like their simple tulip cathedral setting your second link points to. I see that I have the option of them mounting that stone in the setting of my choice and sending it off to the store near me to view. Do you still recommend seeing it loose first since the inclusions are near the edges?

Maybe. If you have it shipped to the store, can you take it home and evaluate it for a few days? If so, I'd have them set it. I mean, that's how you'll always be viewing it, right? I don't like the idea of just evaluating it a the jewelry store. I mean, their lights there are magical and can make anything look good. Plus, I wouldn't want a jewelers opinion on your ring (some may put yours down to try and upsell their own things). Lastly, I'd want to be able to take it home so I could just sit on the couch and look at it forever really take my time and evaluate it without feeling rushed. If they let you take it home, I'd do that. You have to pay for it for them to ship, I believe,so they should.

If they dont let you take it home,and its easy for you to return itthough FedEx, I'd just have them ship it strait to your house.


Also, if the inclusions are on the edge, ask them if they can have the prong placement in such a way go hide them.

 

[tyty333]

Try contacting My Diamond Zone. He handles a lot of OECs and lower colors. He is a Pricescope "friend".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-0-67ct-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-5-6MM-DIAMOND-LOOSE-ESTATE-ROUND-MINER-VINTAGE-/171722609997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fb77154d

(Look at this store...tell him you want something that is very sparkly, has good light return and is in a lower color).

He also does settings.

Remember, older cuts are cut deep so you'll want to look at the mm size versus the carat weight of the stone. A half carat in a
round brilliant would be about 5mm I believe.

Love your story...very sweet!

Awesome! Thank you for the suggestion! I have been trying to look at the actual stone dimensions and figured 5mm was about as small as I wanted to go. My current ring is a 12x8 pear so I'm used to some finger coverage! When I initially thought about replacing it, I was looking at those gems with the double refraction (which shall remain nameless) and that's where I first ran into the OEC cut. I did notice they were deeper and had the smaller tables than regular rounds. I love the cut and that you can usually find them in the lower colors.

That doesnt hit the 5mm mark. I was hoping that he would have something else in stock that might fit the bill. I would choose
a bigger round brilliant since he doesnt have anything bigger that works.

 

[cinnamoose]

That doesnt hit the 5mm mark. I was hoping that he would have something else in stock that might fit the bill. I would choose
a bigger round brilliant since he doesnt have anything bigger that works.

They're going to take some pics/video of a couple stones for me tomorrow. We'll see what they come up with!

 

[cinnamoose]

Got a video from Ilya at Diamond Zone. What do you think of the .67ct L VS2 on the right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUUfr85IGs&list=WL&index=2

 

[cinnamoose]

<bump> Any thoughts on the look of the stone on the right or is the video not enough to tell?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUUfr85IGs