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Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!"

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
16
Hello ladies!

I have been a lurker for a while here on the PS forums however just recently-ish registered and I need your help! My boyfriend and I have been planning our engagement... We are going away to the beach July 27 - August 3 and when we return we want to announce our engagement to our families during a sit-down meal on August 5... We're a little (who am I kidding, A LOT) offbeat and sort of came to this mutual agreement of buying an e-ring and our bands together - he never proposed and it would be a silly formality I think at this point if he were to because we've been SO open with each other about our love and commitment for one another etc...

Speaking of him: He is so amazingly sweet. One of those "whatever makes you happy" guys. So yesterday we planned to purchase our rings so we could have them all ready before vacation. We went into a local Kay Jewelers retail store (because our shopping is limited in our area) and picked out a GORGEOUS e-ring - it is exactly what I've always wanted. I cannot even begin to explain the trance-like power it has over me (I'm sure you ALL understand!).. It's a 14k white gold tiffany setting solitaire - round/brilliant shape/cut diamond, 1.05CT weight, G color, very good polish and symmetry, but its I1 in clarity, GSI certified (I've ever even heard of GSI before?), and listed at $4999.99 (which the sales person assured me was "A HUGE DEAL!") ... It captures the light beautifully and really sparkles like crazy which we both loved, and I think it looks proportionate to my somewhat chubby finger (size 10) - which is really important to me BUT now we're having some regrets (me more-so than him believe it or not!). So the major cons are as follows: I1 clarity - as far as imperfections go, I didn't really notice anything to be honest because I didn't really INSPECT it ridiculously close to my eyes either. Price - before we went in there I told him I was going to stand my ground and not let them talk us into a ring out of our comfort range. Let's face it, we're 2 financially struggling 20-something-year-olds trying to start our life together. We want to buy a house soon, and I am really having a hard time feeling comfortable paying $5k for a ring right now when it can go on a down-payment when we find the right place.

So now I'm thinking about cancelling the order and trying to find a better deal online - whole sale. I'm afraid and ashamed that I got a little caught up and we purchased it with unclear minds because we were "diamond high." I'm even willing to sacrifice carat size (willing to drop down to a .5 - 1CT) if I can get the price to drop between $2k - $3k... I would feel so much more relieved and TRULY happier knowing that we can cover the cost hassle free... it's not that we can't afford the $5k ring, it just isn't sitting well with me for some reason..

I need advice so bad it's not even funny. I would normally ask my parents about serious things like this but I can't because my boyfriend and I want to keep it a surprise until after vacation so it's a secret right now. Ahhh, I really need some help ladies!Has this ever happened to any of you before? What did you do? What should I do? Was our purchase a good deal? I feel so foolish and I'm not sure how or if we should or can back-out of this...

Currently I'm shopping around on Blue Nile and James Allen - Anyone want to help me shop around for deals?! Pretty please? Thanks in advance, really appreciate it!
 

MissGotRocks

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
14,341
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

You aren't the first and you certainly won't be the last to buy something based on emotion. The good news is that Kay Jewelers has a good return policy so you aren't stuck with your purchase.

Is this stone by chance a Leo diamond? Leos are branded cuts and are actually very pretty. They are the only stones at Kay's that I would consider paying an upcharge for.

This stone http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1505083.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131 for example is something you might think about considering. It is certified by AGS assuring you a very well cut stone. An H color is a nice, white stone and the VS2 clarity gives you much more assurance of being eye clean as opposed to the I1 you have now. I'll bet if you look at the GSI cert from Kay's and compare the diameter measurements, there isn't a huge difference between their stone and this stone. The difference in price is $2000 though and I would just about guarantee that this stone will blow the other out of the water in terms of cut and light performance. If you are interested in this or any other from James Allen, request an idealscope image and ask them to evaluate the stone for its eye cleanliness.
 

angietime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
66
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I had recommended one person to Diamond Deal before, and I think you should call them. Diamond Deal is a wholesale diamond supplier based in NYC. I know them because their office is in my building and my old job required me to pickup diamonds from their office. I have personally purchased from them, and recently one of their mountings from a collection/line they have called JP Diamonds Inc. This department is run by the sweetest guy Dinesh Narwani. The info is below

22 West 48th St Ste 1103
New York, NY 10036
646-300-9532 or
201-887-3290
[email protected]
www.jpdiamondsinc.com

Typically, they don't take private clients because they don't advertise to private people. Usually they sell to industry people. But Dinesh is willing to work with anyone, and because its in the office that houses thousands of diamonds, he can find a stone that works for your 2-3k budget AND I know if he doesn't have the Tiffany Setting in stock, he has a look-a-like casting around the corner

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/21707
vs
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10001#f+0/0/0/0/0/0

I think you should be able to email or call and say exactly what you said here on PS...that you are concerned with clarity, you need a reputable gemological appraisal, and a more wholesale price because you cannot afford retail. Everybody understands times are tough, and I am pretty sure they want to reach out and help customers all over (NYC is very limiting with so much competition...you'd be good advertising so let them strut their best stuff.) And because of email and photography you should have an easy time seeing products and certificates that you are comfortable. One on one care - tell them angietime suggested you call, they know me I'm always buying something!!!
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,342
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I am so glad you came here before it was too late! More than likely, you paid more than this stone is worth. That is not a reliable grading report...you want either GIA or AGS grading. They are the only reliable labs. The color and clarity likely are worse than it states.

If you go down in size to get a better stone, have you considered a halo setting? Those will boost the size appearance of your stone. There are tons but this site has a lot:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?style=Halo

Anyway, I recommend Pricescope vendors because there are hundreds if not thousands of testimonials on this site for many of them. In addition, you have some protection because they value their reputations here and will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy. Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, and James Allen are good because they have photos of the stones and other information. Another you might contact is ID Jewelry and if you tell them you are a Pricescope member and want a GIA Excellent cut diamond, they will find you a good one at a good price for your budget.

Please before you buy any other diamond, post the GIA report number here so we can tell you if the stone is a good one.

Here is an example of a very fine cut stone at just under $5k, .91 H SI1:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500358.asp
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
58,342
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

foreveryoung|1342322316|3234134 said:
I am really loving the price of these two: What do you guys think?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1475294.asp
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781306.htm

Does anyone think a .50 - .60CT would look too small or silly on a size 10 finger?


And no, the original one we purchased was not a Leo.

Oh, you are making beautiful choices now! But to be honest, yes, those are going to be really small on a size 10 finger unless you choose a halo setting. See my post above for a link to some halo settings just to give you an idea.

But I'd stick with something like this at least:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792439.htm
 

angietime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
66
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I know I had given up my oval diamond, but I have to say I still love ovals. If you select a .85ct Oval you'll pay less than the price of a nice .60ct round, and you'll also not look disproportional to a larger finger size, in fact it will be slenderizing!

Ask to see them, even if you decide your heart is set on a round, its always good to see what other options you have! Look at only depths of 56.0%-64% so you will see when ovals that have depths similar to rounds...they look HUGE!!! and look for Ex polish Ex symmetry, my old one was a Good Good but it sparkled so firery and people didn't realize it was an oval because at an angle you could only see a white rounded stone!!!!!!

my 1.09 E SI1 was under $4500 just to give you an idea. You can also look on Bluenile, and as I said before, Diamond Deal can find those stones if they are available in NYC and maybe send you photos of what you select.
305084_260174157349509_1726178336_n.jpg
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
58,342
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Well, it would be impossible to choose an oval on BlueNile because they don't provide pictures. There's no way to choose a fancy cut diamond without pictures. James Allen does have pictures of ovals and will provide ASET images to assess light performance if she is interested in ovals. Good Old Gold provides pictures but they don't really have one that would work for her at the moment. they will call some in, though, if you give them a budget.

(Your ring is very pretty, angietime!)
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
16
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I really do love halos.. but I right now need to stay under the $3k budget (diamond + setting). I really have my heart set on getting a Tiffany style solitaire. I love the understated elegance of them.. and plan on stacking a twist and pave eternity with my e-ring and wedding band to jazz things up a bit (like PSer luckky - her set is sooooo perfect: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/after-ive-been-waiting-and-waiting.171733/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/after-ive-been-waiting-and-waiting.171733/[/URL] ). Also, because of the flexibility of this sort of e-ring I really would like to upgrade in the future to the cushion halo as an anniversary present.

I really want to get something ordered and finalized tomorrow & go cancel my original purchase at Kay's... I want to have enough time for things to be delivered, set, and insured before vacation! Ahhh, feeling the stress now.. :(
 

angietime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
66
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I definitely see your point, I just meant that these suppliers usually work together. If its not their stone on Bluenile its one of their business partners, venders can memo the stones and these guys can email you photos they take in house for their customer just like retail stores. I was just trying to think of ways to cut out the middle man because in this particular case to get a really big stone for wholesale prices without retail markups, I don't know any other way but to go directly to a supplier and ask. And because these guys also have a line of jewelery in stock, that may also be an advantage.

I'm sure most people have enough technology to accomidate a little help via email with a photo on the hand and macro a good shot of a couple of light sources...its worth inquiring about. Or you can ask Kay Jewelers if they can get in some GIA/AGS certified stones to look at...They do have venders as well that I think can send them stones. Just ask them to show you rounds and maybe a fancy shaped option as well so you can compare the two.
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
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Jun 18, 2012
Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I appreciate the oval suggestion, but I just don't like them as much as I love round! I idolize the traditional look of plain round solitaires.

..I really think I'm done dealing with Kay Jewelers to be honest.. I sort of feel cheated and foolish like I said. Which is partly my own fault. I'm going to look around for pics of chubby fingers and little rocks to see how I feel about this.. I definitely want to get something that looks and feels good.
 

angietime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
66
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

here was my promise ring. it is a .16ct solitaire 4 prong with a yellow gold band and my finger size is a 4.75, so I don't imagine a size 10 finger with a .50ct would be as small as this one, but I felt beautiful with that little solitaire two years ago...it was so delicate and twinkled. I loved it because it was all we could afford, I had been unemployed for so long and just started working and my Fiance was between jobs. $100 ring!

promise.jpg74161_165102823523310_4992070_n.jpg
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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58,342
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I have a Tiffany style solitaire, so I certainly understand where you are coming from! They really are classic and timeless! You were doing well with your James Allen and WhiteFlash selections. If there is ever a chance that you might want to upgrade the size of the stone, go with WhiteFlash because they will give you full credit towards a trade-up. I'd encourage you to try to go for .75. This one would be good...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2812395.htm
 

angietime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic-104668-1.html

I found this one if it helps...

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/size-9-finger-15-round-solitaire

It seems like the larger finger size does not need a larger stone, rather the opposite. The smaller mm bands elongate the finger and slenderize it, and I think as long as the diamond you choose has life to it and a well made grade, you shouldn't worry about the ct weight. I think the tiffany setting will be amazing!
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
16
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Alright -

I think you're right about whiteflash having the best deal esp for a trade-up.. I want a .5 - .6CT - I'm just not sure how to compare these aset/ideal-scope images.. what should I be looking for?? I've only ever compared based on the 4c's and light reflection in person..


What do you think of this
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2400040.htm

versus this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781306.htm

or:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2564433.htm

or:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2632514.htm


I want to pair a $2300 - $2800 diamond with their $350.00 14k WG 4 Prong Tiffany style solitaire! I think that will fall perfectly under budget for us to feel comfortably be safe and happy!

If you can find something better - please let me know! For now I think I'm calling it quits for the night and going to bed! Thanks so much for all your help and input so far! It really means a lot to me.
 

webdiva

Brilliant_Rock
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Messages
1,268
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

In the idealscope, you want most of the color to be bright red, with no white patches or lighter areas. Whiteflash seems to always have that ring of lighter color under the table even on their A Cut Above so it must be how they take their pictures, but usually something like that indicates light leakage (light leaking out instead of bouncing back out). I don't think it indicates leakage in this case, btw.

I like this choice:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792442.htm

.636 G VS2 A Cut Above - $2763 - your $75 discount for being a first time customer = $2688
plus setting = $3038 ($38 over budget). :)

It has a nice spread at just over 5.5 mm (which is actually the spread of my ring in my avatar).

You may be so happy with this size that you just upgrade to a halo for your anniversary instead of also upgrading the stone! :) Here is Whiteflash's version of the halo you loved! :) I love it too! http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm $1450

Definitely go try on stones in this size tomorrow to see how you feel. If you decide you really want to do a halo, we can work with you to find something affordable.

If you can eke out a tiny bit more budget, you can go with this .75 H SI1 at $3177 for a total of $3452 with the $75 off - you gain about .3 mm with that one which may make a difference.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2812395.htm
 

webdiva

Brilliant_Rock
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Messages
1,268
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

If you do decide you want to add a halo to add finger coverage, James Allen has this well priced halo with plain shank:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-17155w14.html
$650

Which you can pair with this stone for quite bit of finger coverage:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1433097.asp
$2236 .71 E SI2 AGS000

or even this .68 H SI2 AGS000 for $1458 - if JA says it's eyeclean (which at that size, it should be - look at the tiny picture at the bottom left to gauge if you would see imperfections at this size)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500363.asp

A little over budget with a solitaire but big - .79 H SI2 - $2986 and I'm not sure of the cheapest solitaire Good Old Gold (Stuller?) has but I think it's in the $300-400 range-ish. This guy is almost 6mm!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9323/

BTW, lurkers abound on Pricescope - so put any stones you really like on hold asap! :)

If those stones are gone or you want more options - definitely let us know. We loooove working within a budget! ;-) :love: :love: It's more fun! :) My entire wedding set is less than the ring you're returning - so be assured that we can work miracles over here! :cheeky:
 

Frenchcut

Shiny_Rock
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Messages
280
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Another suggestion, you can have a smaller but amazing diamond in a simple setting like the one you had originally chosen, and if you feel it doesn't give enough finger coverage it will always be possible to upgrade the setting to a halo?
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
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Messages
16
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Webdiva, I think you found an awesome diamond! The .636 G VS2 A Cut Above is sitting in my cart right now - I need the bf's final approval (when he wakes up) before I submit.

Remember no halo YET! I am committed to a plain shank for now (will upgrade later!) - not sure if a 6 prong would take away from the size/light or add to it on the .636 though.. what do you girls think?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm
OR:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm

And I'm going to go ahead and place an order for a 3mm wedding band too from whiteflash. Which band do you think would look and fit the best next to the Tiffany solitaire:

http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-bands/half-round-wedding-band-110.htm
OR:
http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-bands/comfort-fit-wedding-band-1187.htm
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

New question:

Do you think a 2mm wedding band instead of a 3mm would work better for my size 10 finger AND make the diamond look like it's a little bigger/proportionate to my finger?

The e-ring width tapers from 2.7mm at the top down to 1.9mm at the bottom.
 

Enerchi

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
10,658
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I like the 6 prong Tiffany with the comfort fit band... and yes, I'd go for the narrower WB to give the solitiare diamond a bit more "oomph".

Or... would you even consider a very fine wb of 1mm, which could then be used as a spacer band, if you add a 5/7/9... whatever! ... diamond band for an anniversary or special occasion, down the road??? Throwing that out as food for thought! ;))
 

stargurl78

Ideal_Rock
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Messages
3,296
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I vote for the 2mm comfort fit band. And I normally prefer 6-prong settings but for a stone that size, I might go with 4. If you go with 6, just make sure they don't leave the prongs too bulky.
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
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Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

I'm decided/committed to 4 prong because of size. The e-ring/wb setting I am finalizing on now from JA is 2.5mm 18K WG... and I am actually really REALLY excited to see everything come together this time!

I just tried on the wedding band again that we purchased from Kay's and it is a 3mm... seems just a LITTLE too thick in my honest opinion - so I think the 2.5mm e-ring/wb setting will really look great on my finger. Plus give me the room I need to stack in a twist and an eternity later on down the road of life.

I still need to commit to one of those diamonds I previously linked! Need some help on JA ladies! I'm still trying to come in/around $3k for everything!
 

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
31,763
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

foreveryoung|1342366950|3234303 said:

Good cut is more important than color or clarity to how beautifully a diamond performs with light.
Of all the shapes round is easiest to determine good cut using two tools HCA and Idealscope.
Plug four numbers from the grading report into the HCA: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
Reject diamonds scoring over 2.0 and get an Idealscope pic on those scoring under 2.0.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

Compare the Idealscope pic to this chart: http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_reference_chart.asp



I ran the HCA for you and only the first diamond is worth asking James Allen for an Idealscope pic.
The first had a wonderful score of 1.7, but the second got 2.5.

idealscope_ref_7.png

screen_shot_2012-07-15_at_0.png

screen_shot_2012-07-15_at_9.png
 

stargurl78

Ideal_Rock
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Did you put the first diamond on hold? It is showing as not available...
 

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
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31,763
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

VS1 is wonderful clarity but are you aware that you can find some SI1 and SI2 diamonds that are eye clean and get a much larger diamond for the same price?
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
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Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

Yes - I ordered the Item # 1475315 "True Hearts" Round 0.61 carat H color VS1 clarity diamond..

I want to try it on and see what I think about proportions to my finger.. at worst I send it back and pick out something else. I will take everyone's recommendations into consideration - especially lowering clarity in exchange for a larger stone.

Thank you everyone for all of your help!
 

E B

Ideal_Rock
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9,490
Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

foreveryoung|1342371825|3234343 said:
Yes - I ordered the Item # 1475315 "True Hearts" Round 0.61 carat H color VS1 clarity diamond..

I want to try it on and see what I think about proportions to my finger.. at worst I send it back and pick out something else. I will take everyone's recommendations into consideration - especially lowering clarity in exchange for a larger stone.

Thank you everyone for all of your help!

I think you made a great choice. Doing a PS search, I don't see anything more than a point or two larger with lower clarity (keeping the same color) for the same price. Please post pics of the finished set if you can!
 

foreveryoung

Rough_Rock
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Messages
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Re: Help! Regret retail store purchase! I was "diamond high!

E B|1342372173|3234344 said:
foreveryoung|1342371825|3234343 said:
Yes - I ordered the Item # 1475315 "True Hearts" Round 0.61 carat H color VS1 clarity diamond..

I want to try it on and see what I think about proportions to my finger.. at worst I send it back and pick out something else. I will take everyone's recommendations into consideration - especially lowering clarity in exchange for a larger stone.

Thank you everyone for all of your help!

I think you made a great choice. Doing a PS search, I don't see anything more than a point or two larger with lower clarity (keeping the same color) for the same price. Please post pics of the finished set if you can!


Thank you so much, EB - I really needed to hear that it was a good choice. I now wish he would have just picked something out himself instead of me feeling forced into picking out "what makes me happy" with my limited diamond jewelry knowledge AND while also having to consider his personal financial budget...

I still would prefer a larger stone that would help distract from my fat fingers and really look perfect in my eyes but I could never be happy wearing it knowing how much it cost knowing that we are trying SO hard to save for a home - I would feel so selfish.

Who knows the smaller carat might help me get over the self-conscious feelings I have about my finger size when I see it and try it on in person. :)

Ahhh - this ring/engagement/wedding nonsense is more stressful than I EVER imagined! I just want simplicity!
 
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