whiteflash stone and

[chitowngal]

hi everyone!

i''ve come out of lurkdom to finally join in on the action! first, i just want to say that this forum has been such a great source of information, and it seems to me that everyone is just so positive and helpful. after reading hundreds of posts (or maybe thousands!), my bf and i have begun searching for a ring.

now on to business...i am seriously considering a stone from whiteflash and would like to purchase within the next week or so if it checks out. once i reserve it, i will come back and share the specs with you guys for your opinions. however, before i do that i just had a few questions to make sure i''m doing all this correctly! whiteflash has found a great stone for me (just short of ACA specs), but this stone is not in-house. they are going to bring this stone in for evaluation after i put it on hold. here are my questions:

- do people usually send the stone for appraisal, or should i just trust the pictures and the eyes of the people at whiteflash?

- this stone is AGS certed- am i paying a huge premium for this? i have tried comparing stones with similar specs on many different vendor sites, but my head just might explode because it''s so difficult to compare cuts and such. it seems fairly priced to me, but i have no experience buying diamonds online, so i''m just a little bit uneasy...

- i want whiteflash to set the stone for me. i''m thinking about the tiffany knife edge setting (basket six prong), but I''d like whiteflash to modify the setting to a rounded shank around 2mm. any opinions on how that would look? i don''t recall seeing anything like that in smtr.

your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated! since i''m using whiteflash for the stone and the setting, i''m hoping to minimize the shipping costs with the appraisals and such, so let me know what you all think i should do!! looking forward to your replies

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi Chitowngirl! Welcome!

I''ll take a stab at answering some of your questions ...

- Some people send the stone to an independant appraiser for appraisal, as this is never a bad idea, however, as far as I understand it, some people do not and just rely on the details provided to them by WF. It really boils down to personal preference and comfort level. If this is your first WF purchase, although, I have complete faith in them, you may want to request that they send your stone out to an appraiser prior to it being set ... This may increase your comfort level with this process? Also, I believe that this is something that they are quite accustomed to doing, so it shouldn''t be that big a deal. You can always inquire with them for more info or someone else here on PS, who has actually gone through this purchase, might be able to assist you with any tips.

- The stone is AGS certed, which means that it has been graded by a stringent lab with a credible reputation. Does this typically mean that you are going to pay more for an AGS graded stone than an EGL graded stone, for example, yes, however, it also means that the grading is likely to be more accurate than that of another less stringent lab = you are getting what it is stated to be and what you are paying for ...

- unfortunately, I''m not sure about the setting, however, your WF rep should be able to share thoughts with you on your ideas and be able to give you some feedback ....

I''m sure WF will do a great job for you ... I can''t wait to see the lovely diamond you choose in your beautiful setting! Good luck!

 

[milton333]

Should you have it appraised? Depends on your comfort level and how much you are spending. Personally, I think WF will not lead you astray, and you can eyeball it within the return period, but do whatever makes you comfortable. I don''t think an AGS cert is more expensive than a GIA cert, but AGS arguably has tighter standards, so you are probably getting a better-performing diamond if AGS scores it well. I think the WF prices are quite reasonable, but can''t speak to whether you''re getting a good deal without more information about your stone. Finally, I''m not a fan of 6-prong Tiffany settings in general, but they are popular. You might also look at the Legato sleek lines setting at WF, it''s sleek and classic with a bit of interest, and less metal caging in the diamond.

 

[Allison D.]

Chitown, we''re actually have a CAD in process that sounds much like what you''re describing; it''s a tiffany knife edge with a half round band.

I think images on that are due to be ready sometime next week. In order to properly support the head, it''s not recommended to go much lower than 2.2mm on the shank.

 

[iheartscience]

I personally wouldn''t have it appraised-in my mind, that''s the whole point of paying for an AGS or GIA certed stone. AGS and GIA certed diamonds are typically more expensive than an EGL stone, but you''re a lot more likely to get what you pay for, too. However, you have to do what makes you feel comfortable, and if you''d feel more comfortable with an appraisal, go for it. Just make sure to use a reputable *independent* appraiser-he or she should not sell jewelry themselves. You should be able to find one in your area by using the Resources link at the top of the page.

 

[honey22]

Hi chitowngal! I am pretty sure that the CAD Allison is talking about is my baby! WF are making a CAD for me that sounds suspiciously similar, which is due next week some time. It''s based on the Classic http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Tiffany-Style-Knife-Edge_1137.htm

I am having a round band instead of the knife edge, with the diamond set as low as possible. I originally wanted to go to 2mm but Lesley and Brian strongly recommended that it not be thinner than 2.2mm. When I spoke to Brian about it, he said that a difference between 2 and 2.2mm isn''t very noticable but it would really increase the integrity of the band. That said, I trust them totally and have gone with their suggestions. I am having a 0.8ct ACA D VS2 set in it - sooo can''t wait. I will post photos of the CAD when I get them if I can and you can see if it''s what you are looking for.

There are some members with settings just like this. I''m off to see if I can find the links!

 

[Ellen]

With all the info WF will give you on your stone, and the fact that it's been graded by a good lab, I don't personally see the need to have it appraised first. I can think of a couple instances where your peace of mind might warrant it, like having numbers on an extreme edge, or an inclusion that could possibly jeapordize the integrity of the stone. But that rarely happens. So unless your stone has some anomoly, I'd say you're fine just having it appraised after you get the finished ring.

 

[secondhandnews]

Chitown - I agree with others about the appraisal question. Unless there is something on the AGS report that concerns you, I personally wouldn''t seek an appraisal. WF usually has a very good idea that a stone will measure up to their standards (that it will at least meet the requirements for their expert selection line) when they bring it in for evaluation. Once they have the stone in-house, they will evaluate it and only after it passes their requirements will they offer it to you to purchase. I have gone through this procedure with WF twice in the past and am currently awaiting yet another upgrade diamond. I have yet to see diamond #3 but I will say that I have been more than pleased with the previous two purchases from WF. I must admit that it was very nerve racking the 1st time but it has gotten easier since then.

Good luck with your purchase. I hope the diamond is everything you wish for - and more!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/7/2008 11:21:13 AM
Author: secondhandnews
I must admit that it was very nerve racking the 1st time but it has gotten easier since then.

Same here. The second time was like, piece of cake! What else can I buy??!

 

[chitowngal]

i realized i totally messed up the subject line...hopefully they can correct it for me soon (got too excited to hit the submit button last night!

)

thanks for all the replies!! i''ve decided to not send the stone to the appraiser and just trust that whiteflash will give me some honest feedback. i''m planning on placing the stone on hold today and will call my sales rep soon.

honey22- thanks for your input! maybe we will be ring twins! let me know when you get the CAD so i can take a look at it! allison from whiteflash also mentioned the 2.2mm limit for the band. i guess my only concern is that i''m not quite sure how that would look on my finger. i''ve tried on settings locally, and i feel that i really prefer the really thin bands on my finger. i believe i''m a size 5.5, but have more "pudgy" fingers, so when i put on bands thicker than 2mm, it just doens''t look too attractive...i guess i''ll have to talk to whiteflash and see what i can do.

i will keep you all updated! any additional feedback would be great too! thanks!!!

 

[honey22]

Date: 2/7/2008 12:55:38 PM



honey22- thanks for your input! maybe we will be ring twins! let me know when you get the CAD so i can take a look at it! allison from whiteflash also mentioned the 2.2mm limit for the band. i guess my only concern is that i''m not quite sure how that would look on my finger. i''ve tried on settings locally, and i feel that i really prefer the really thin bands on my finger. i believe i''m a size 5.5, but have more ''pudgy'' fingers, so when i put on bands thicker than 2mm, it just doens''t look too attractive...i guess i''ll have to talk to whiteflash and see what i can do.


i will keep you all updated! any additional feedback would be great too! thanks!!!

Hey chitowngal - I think we will be ring twins!

I am 5.25, so we are very close. I was worried like you about the band being over 2mm, but Brian assured me that I really won''t be able to notice too much difference between 2 and 2.2mm and I trust him so I don''t think it''s a problem. I soooo hope I get the pics soon, I am dying here!!!! What size stone are you thinking? Have you got a link yet? Keep us updated.

 

[chitowngal]

Date: 2/7/2008 5:03:33 PM
Author: honey22

Date: 2/7/2008 12:55:38 PM




honey22- thanks for your input! maybe we will be ring twins! let me know when you get the CAD so i can take a look at it! allison from whiteflash also mentioned the 2.2mm limit for the band. i guess my only concern is that i''m not quite sure how that would look on my finger. i''ve tried on settings locally, and i feel that i really prefer the really thin bands on my finger. i believe i''m a size 5.5, but have more ''pudgy'' fingers, so when i put on bands thicker than 2mm, it just doens''t look too attractive...i guess i''ll have to talk to whiteflash and see what i can do.



i will keep you all updated! any additional feedback would be great too! thanks!!!

Hey chitowngal - I think we will be ring twins!

I am 5.25, so we are very close. I was worried like you about the band being over 2mm, but Brian assured me that I really won''t be able to notice too much difference between 2 and 2.2mm and I trust him so I don''t think it''s a problem. I soooo hope I get the pics soon, I am dying here!!!! What size stone are you thinking? Have you got a link yet? Keep us updated.

i actually went to try on some settings after work today to get a feel for what 2.2mm would look like, and it seems like it should be thin enough (hopefully they were accurate). i also tried on a cartier replica setting, and that was 2.5 and little bit too thick for me. i was just talking to whiteflash about the setting i want, and they mentioned that they''re working on one just like the one i''m describing..i guess yours! i''m trying to get handshots so i get a better idea of what it''ll look like..i''ll share with you once i get the email! i hope you get your pics soon too!!! i totally feel your excitement

the stone i''m looking at is around 2.5 carats. hopefully it works out. i will post pics/specs once i get the details!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Trust me, a ring at 2.5 mm or less is a very thin band. So 2.2 mm will be plenty thin!

And I saw no need for another appraisal on my diamonds from WF considering they had AGS certs. You need appraisals on stones that are from any labs other than AGS or GIA or uncertified stones, IMO.

 

[heatdish]

I recently bought a loose stone from Whiteflash, had it shipped to a local appraiser (Nancy Stacy in Northern California), then shipped it back to WF after I got the appraisal to set the stone in a placeholder setting, then now they''re shipping it back to me.

After I propose (assuming she says ''yes'', haha), we''ll pick a permanent setting, at which point in time I''ll ship the ring back to WF, swap out the setting, and have it shipped back to me.

I personally liked the idea of having the appraiser analyze the loose stone, but I will say that shipping costs (esp. with insurance) for 2 round trips is really pricey!! The next time I purchase from WF, I might skip the first step and just have the appraiser look at the stone in a setting.

 

[chitowngal]

thanks for the additional input, diamondseeker and heatdish!

they are calling in the stone!! here are the details...let me know what you guys think!

2.60 RB AGS ideal 8.87x8.91x5.41
I
SI2 (they were told it's eye clean- hopefully whiteflash can confirm this!)
Table: 57%
Depth: 60.9%
Crown: 35.3
Pavilion: 20.6

The price is just under 21K. Given the specs, it seems like this is a fairly good price for this stone. Thoughts???

please give me your honest feedback!! i hope it is a yummy stone!

edit: i'm also a bit nervous about buying a stone so quickly since i haven't been searching for too long...are stones with these specs easy to find? just want to make sure i do my due diligence before making a decision

 

[chitowngal]

bump

can anyone comment on the specs? thanks!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 2/8/2008 4:34:17 PM
Author: chitowngal

2.60 RB AGS ideal 8.87x8.91x5.41
I
SI2 (they were told it''s eye clean- hopefully whiteflash can confirm this!)
Table: 57%
Depth: 60.9%
Crown: 35.3
Pavilion: 20.6

The price is just under 21K. Given the specs, it seems like this is a fairly good price for this stone. Thoughts???

Chitowngal -- Are you sure that the pavilion angle is 20.6? That doesn''t sound right... maybe 40.6?

WF will absolutely be able to confirm if this stone is eyeclean for you. Make sure that you share with them your definition of eyeclean to ensure that you are both on the same page expectation wise.

 

[chitowngal]

oops, you''re right sparkalicious...the pavilion angle is 40.6, not 20.6. thanks for catching that.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Sounds gorgeous, Chitowngal!

Scores 1.1 on the HCA, which falls right smack dab in the middle of both the AGS Ideal and GIA Excellent ranges
Excellent - Light return, Scintillation & Fire
Very Good - Spread (or diameter for weight)

This could definitely be a winner!

If WF gives it their seal of approval and it falls within your parameters ... looks like a "go"!

Please do keep us updated.