Last Minute Advice Request - 1 or 2 Days

[cnj22]

Hi PS users,

I need to decide on my diamond engagement ring within 1 or 2 days and have an absolute drop deadline delivery date of July 2nd. I have been reading and absorbing the content on this site for days and narrowed it down to this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493106.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

... deciding between the following settings:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/platinum-60ct-channel-set--princess-cut-engagement-ring-1217p.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/platinum-thin-channel-set-briliant-diamond-engagement-ring-11103p.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/platinum-thin-channel-set-princess-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-11106p.html

I also checked white flash but they had limited setting selection for my delivery date.

Basically looking for the following characteristics:
Carat: 1 Ct
Cut: Ideal (no compromises here)
Clarity: VS2 or above
Color: H or above

Budget: Under $10K.

I'd appreciate the community's thoughts around the quality of the diamond and whether I'm getting the most bang for my buck. My layman's interpretation of the images posted online cannot see any perceivable flaws with the diamond. I have seen diamonds at the mall stores with an I color rating and did not like the yellowish tint especially noticeable on the side of the stone. I am not really sure about 'Eye Clear' diamonds and whether that's somehow indicated on JA website.

Finally, do you think it's worth shopping around at more stores or are the prices going to be fairly competitive? I don't really care about upgradability and just looking for the most bang for buck.

Thanks in advance and I would really appreciate a quick response since I'm under bit of time pressure!

 

[Mrs.W 514]

The diamond looks pretty good to me. It scores a 1.2 on the HCA and anything under 2.0 is considered great.

I like the third setting the best (thin channel set princess) The first one looks big and bulky and I don't tend to like channel set round stones as much as channel set square stones. Since there is no metal showing between the square stones I think it looks more polished and more blingy!

You are going to find the best deals on the online stores because they don't have the overhead that a lot of b and m stores do. I think you have made a great choice in going with a PS vendor

 

[cnj22]

Thanks, what do you think of this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/tiffany-style-bead-set-diamond-engagement-ring-872.htm

combined with:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2683872.htm

It comes in at 1.4-EX on the HCA but some of the subratings like fire are rated 'Very Good' instead of excellent.

I end up saving $400-$500 with this ring though? Do you think the JA is worth the extra $$ ?

 

[tyty333]

I like the middle setting with round stones.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't like any of those settings.
Since it doesn't look like you are married to a vendor yet I'd suggest:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.014-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052883011 (yes, it's SI, but why pay for something you can't see. Just ask if it is eyelclean from all sides and the top and at all distances. It looks very clean).

And setting:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/peggy-18k-white-gold-5359w18

 

[Christina...]

Thanks, what do you think of this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/tiffany-style-bead-set-diamond-engagement-ring-872.htm

combined with:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2683872.htm

It comes in at 1.4-EX on the HCA but some of the subratings like fire are rated 'Very Good' instead of excellent.

I end up saving $400-$500 with this ring though? Do you think the JA is worth the extra $$ ?

It score under 2 on the HCA so it doesn't really matter if it score very good as opposed to excellent in some categories. Keep in mind it's a predictor only, not an assurance of a great stone. There are many other aspects of the diamond to consider. HCA is only the first test.

 

[Christina...]

I don't like any of those settings.
Since it doesn't look like you are married to a vendor yet I'd suggest:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.014-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052883011 (yes, it's SI, but why pay for something you can't see. Just ask if it is eyelclean from all sides and the top and at all distances. It looks very clean).

And setting:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/peggy-18k-white-gold-5359w18

yes please!

 

[cnj22]

thanks everyone for all your help.

i decided to go with this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1433023.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/Platinum-Scroll-Basket-Pave-Set-Diamond-Ring.html

After looking at some more live stones I realized I wanted a slightly bigger stone.

Does anybody see any issues with this one?

 

[tyty333]

thanks everyone for all your help.

i decided to go with this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1433023.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/Platinum-Scroll-Basket-Pave-Set-Diamond-Ring.html

After looking at some more live stones I realized I wanted a slightly bigger stone.

Does anybody see any issues with this one?

What's not to likt about that stone??? AGS000 great size too...I also like that
Setting better than the other options you gave. Pics when it's done!

 

[TitanCi]

I think the combo you ended up going with will be nice, man. Good job! That stone is a lot bigger too!

 

[somedaysunday]

GORGEOUS! I like what you picked over everything else in this thread (though, they were all nice, too!)

Great job - please post pictures when it comes in!

SS