Hi! In addition to researching diamonds incessantly, I have been reading this forum for some time. I need help choosing a diamond from Whiteflash to go with a custom design engagement ring. A little bit of background: my girlfriend and I have looked at loose diamonds in a couple different B&M stores. She strongly prefers colorless princess cuts. Her preference is for a colorless princess cut approximately 1.2c. In trying to find the balance between her preference, (my preference, which is a great cut with an awesome upgrade policy, skilled craftmanship, and great customer service), and my budget, I have decided to go with Whiteflash. I started speaking with them about a custom design piece about a month ago, when there was a beautiful diamond that met all the criteria (a 1.15 F ACA princess cut); unfortunately, I was too late pulling the trigger, and someone else bought the diamond. From their current stock, I'm having trouble settling on an alternative. They have said that they do not anticipate another ACA colorless diamond in that size any time soon. So, in moving forward, I need some advice. I want to remain with WF, so my options appear to be:
1) wait and see if something similar to the last stone arrives
2) choose an alternate stone, sacrificing either size or color
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3695582,3699532,3699537
I really want to get my GF as close as possible to what she wants, as she rarely wants anything. I'm not sure whether she would prefer to sacrifice color or size (if it were only me, I'd readily go down a color grade, or even 2, to increase the size). And, I do not want to continue talking with her about it in much detail, as I want it to be a surprise. I particularly would choose size over color due to the setting she likes, which I fear will swallow a smaller size diamond. Here is a link to the inspiration setting (in CAD form): http://belviaggiodesigns.com/products/russian-brilliant-unique-engagement-ring-cushion-cut
The main differences, aside from a princess instead of cushion stone, include 1) a single rear shank that will be tapered to a smaller size, and 2) more rounded shank edges. My concern with all the metal in the setting is that the diamond will not be the star. So, I guess I have a few questions:
1) Do you think I'm overly concerned with the diamond size, in consideration of the setting? Meaning, do you think a few MM will make any difference?
2) Thoughts as to which of the diamonds represents the best compromise?
3) Ideas on how to alter the setting (slightly) to better emphasize the diamond?
I know that was a lot of information! I appreciate your thoughts and expertise! While this diamond buying process is fun and exciting, it is also a bit nerve-wracking! Fortunately, there are fabulous forums like this to help guide the process!
1) wait and see if something similar to the last stone arrives
2) choose an alternate stone, sacrificing either size or color
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3695582,3699532,3699537
I really want to get my GF as close as possible to what she wants, as she rarely wants anything. I'm not sure whether she would prefer to sacrifice color or size (if it were only me, I'd readily go down a color grade, or even 2, to increase the size). And, I do not want to continue talking with her about it in much detail, as I want it to be a surprise. I particularly would choose size over color due to the setting she likes, which I fear will swallow a smaller size diamond. Here is a link to the inspiration setting (in CAD form): http://belviaggiodesigns.com/products/russian-brilliant-unique-engagement-ring-cushion-cut
The main differences, aside from a princess instead of cushion stone, include 1) a single rear shank that will be tapered to a smaller size, and 2) more rounded shank edges. My concern with all the metal in the setting is that the diamond will not be the star. So, I guess I have a few questions:
1) Do you think I'm overly concerned with the diamond size, in consideration of the setting? Meaning, do you think a few MM will make any difference?
2) Thoughts as to which of the diamonds represents the best compromise?
3) Ideas on how to alter the setting (slightly) to better emphasize the diamond?
I know that was a lot of information! I appreciate your thoughts and expertise! While this diamond buying process is fun and exciting, it is also a bit nerve-wracking! Fortunately, there are fabulous forums like this to help guide the process!