shape
carat
color
clarity

1.3 ct too big/flashy on 5.25 fingers??

I think it should be fine. A perfect understated, yet elegant size!!!
 
An awesome size! I'm sure she'll be thrilled!
 
Perfect size! Good luck with the proposal!
 
I got it today. Whoa, these things are beautiful in the Colorado sunshine. I wonder if all guys wear the ring around when they first get it. I'm truly in awe of how nice it is, I've been staring at it all day.

1.3 definitely looks good/noticeable on my 5.25 pinky The design is spot on with the pictures, I like how you can see most of the diamond with the open basket.

Since so much of the diamond is visible though I am wondering if I bargained too much with an H color to get to 1.3. The color is nice but it's (very) faint yellow, but from the sides only.

I'm going to think about it, but if I took advantage of the 30 day inspection period I could get a more colorless diamond, and closer to 1 ct which may be more her style.

I really still might be overthinking all of this, but she's going to wear it the rest of her life, right? She's more detail oriented than me and will notice it too if I do.

What color grade would I need for it to be icy clear from the sides? E, D?

When I compare the spinning diamond videos of the Whiteflash website side by side I can see a difference between F and D....any advice?

Big props to Liza at WF...their customer service is amazing. Once they missed my instant message, and the CEO emailed me to answer the question the next morning.


IMG_1560.jpg.IMG_1562.jpg
 
I can’t speak for you or your gf, but I consider myself fairly color sensitive and had no issue with my first diamond. It was a 1.07ct H color and my ring size is a 3.5. I would have liked a bit larger even then and this was before I knew about Pricescope.

5 years later I upgraded to a 1.66. I feel like I notice younger newly engaged women with larger rings than I recall 10-15 years ago. Be sure the ‘color‘ you see isn’t what the diamond is picking up from the environment. You have a great ring in hand.
 
You absolutely do not need to go to D or E. I would not sacrifice that much size to go that high in color. They have an absolutely gorgeous premium select stone which is GIA graded 1.2 ct G VS1 and it should appear whiter than the stone you have now but it is still a nice size at 1.2 cts.


This ACA would be great, too, but since color is within a range, I'd have them compare these two and tell you if one is whiter than the other.


If you do change diamonds, can we talk about the setting a little? Did she show you this style and say it is what she wanted? If so, great! If not, let us give you some suggestions.
 
I can’t speak for you or your gf, but I consider myself fairly color sensitive and had no issue with my first diamond. It was a 1.07ct H color and my ring size is a 3.5. I would have liked a bit larger even then and this was before I knew about Pricescope.

5 years later I upgraded to a 1.66. I feel like I notice younger newly engaged women with larger rings than I recall 10-15 years ago. Be sure the ‘color‘ you see isn’t what the diamond is picking up from the environment. You have a great ring in hand.

I was going to say this too about the color in the environment. You have those gorgeous warm wood floors. Are you sure you aren’t picking up the warmth of those in your stone?
 
You absolutely do not need to go to D or E. I would not sacrifice that much size to go that high in color. They have an absolutely gorgeous premium select stone which is GIA graded 1.2 ct G VS1 and it should appear whiter than the stone you have now but it is still a nice size at 1.2 cts.


This ACA would be great, too, but since color is within a range, I'd have them compare these two and tell you if one is whiter than the other.


If you do change diamonds, can we talk about the setting a little? Did she show you this style and say it is what she wanted? If so, great! If not, let us give you some suggestions.

No she didn’t, what suggestions?
 
Nooooo, I would definitely NOT trade down on size for a higher color grade. H is a fine color and .3 size difference is far showier than a small color difference would be. Imho, you've done an excellent job!
 
About the setting, I think that too is an excellent choice because it's very classic and basic. The more you veer away from that, the more likely it is to give her a surprise she does NOT prefer.

Also, the classic solitaire setting is among the least expensive designs, making it less of an issue if she does prefer a fancier setting, whether right away or later on. A plain solitaire can also be dressed up with a ring wrap or guard for special occasions or all the time, if she wants to. :)
 
I appreciate the replies!

I love the size and agree that going down to a 1 ct for a slight increase in color is probably not worth it.

That being said, the more I look at the setting, the more I think the band might be a little too skinny.

Any thoughts on this setting (CL140 by Whiteflash): https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ngle-shank-solitaire-engagement-ring-3811.htm .

The shank is wider and might be more practical for a music teacher who works with her hands every day. Also, the floral style basket is beautiful and might obscure the side view of the stone compared to the CL130, alleviating any concerns I have about the slight yellow from that angle.

I hate to go back and forth like this...shopping online for an e-ring has some benefits, but it would be easier to view settings in person to reduce this kind of tweaking.

CL140 side view.PNG
 
I wouldn't switch to the other band because the one it's in now is more versatile, in that she could get a wrap, surround or guard to dress it up when she wants to. The shoulders take away or limit those options. The shoulders may also somewhat block the light from making the diamond shine to its best advantage. I don't think a little tint from close up at the side is a problem.
 
Thanks Seaurchin! I do know that she wants a plain wedding band, so I don't think she'd be likely to dress it up with a wrap/surround/guard.
 
I love the ring you chose. I love the setting. The color is fine. You don't know *exactly* what she wants, so switching it out might not necessarily give her something she prefers.

I'm guessing she'll love it, since narrow bands are probably the most popular option and all you can do here is go by what you know of her and by what most women prefer.

Leave it as is, and if it doesn't work out for her, she can change the setting somewhere down the track. But for now, you're considering switching something she might or might not love...for something she might or might not love. Zero sum game.

The color should be fine. And there's almost no woman alive who would switch out .3 of a ct to go up to an F color from an H. From a J...maybe. But from an H? No.

And it's not too big.

I think you have 'did I get this right?' jitters. You'll be fine. She'll love it. :))
 
I think everything about it is perfection. You did a fantastic job! Now just propose and you’ll see how much she loves it and you’ll stop second guessing!
 
I do believe that your original 1.4mm thick ring is on the thin side, but your second pick goes the other way to 2.6mm.
May be a safer bet if you're not feeling confident in the 1.4mm shank.
At this point, I would just make sure you propose within the return period to make sure that any concerns you have about tint and band allow her to get her say.
 
The stone and the setting is simply perfect IMHO. You chose well!
 
I got it today. Whoa, these things are beautiful in the Colorado sunshine. I wonder if all guys wear the ring around when they first get it. I'm truly in awe of how nice it is, I've been staring at it all day.

1.3 definitely looks good/noticeable on my 5.25 pinky The design is spot on with the pictures, I like how you can see most of the diamond with the open basket.

Since so much of the diamond is visible though I am wondering if I bargained too much with an H color to get to 1.3. The color is nice but it's (very) faint yellow, but from the sides only.

I'm going to think about it, but if I took advantage of the 30 day inspection period I could get a more colorless diamond, and closer to 1 ct which may be more her style.

I really still might be overthinking all of this, but she's going to wear it the rest of her life, right? She's more detail oriented than me and will notice it too if I do.

What color grade would I need for it to be icy clear from the sides? E, D?

When I compare the spinning diamond videos of the Whiteflash website side by side I can see a difference between F and D....any advice?

Big props to Liza at WF...their customer service is amazing. Once they missed my instant message, and the CEO emailed me to answer the question the next morning.


IMG_1560.jpg.IMG_1562.jpg

That is very beautiful

Personally i now thing you should look at getting a diamond for yourself as you enjoyed looking at it so much
I would like to see more men wear diamonds
 
No she didn’t, what suggestions?

I love classic solitaires, but that one has some design issues that I think could be improved upon. As you said in a later post, that shank (band) is extremely thin at 1.4mm. I wouldn't consider one that thin. Around 2mm or so is still very thin but it would have more durability and presence. I also don't love the head (the part that holds the diamond) and think there are some better designed choices.

I appreciate the replies!

I love the size and agree that going down to a 1 ct for a slight increase in color is probably not worth it.

That being said, the more I look at the setting, the more I think the band might be a little too skinny.

Any thoughts on this setting (CL140 by Whiteflash): https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ngle-shank-solitaire-engagement-ring-3811.htm .

The shank is wider and might be more practical for a music teacher who works with her hands every day. Also, the floral style basket is beautiful and might obscure the side view of the stone compared to the CL130, alleviating any concerns I have about the slight yellow from that angle.

I hate to go back and forth like this...shopping online for an e-ring has some benefits, but it would be easier to view settings in person to reduce this kind of tweaking.

CL140 side view.PNG

The ring in that setting is pretty, but I think it would make it a little hard to clean the stone.


Here are some on the WF site that I think are far better designed and still very classic and in the lower price ranges. I am showing you these in platinum because I think it is a better value over time, but you can switch to white gold, of course. Platinum only needs occasional polishing to restore it's shine, but white gold requires replating. Gold also wears away while platinum does not. Fine scratches on platinum are just smoothed back into the ring when polished. Some people are allergic to white gold, but platinum is hypallergenic. But if you decide you need to go with white gold, I'd consider 18k over 14k for fine jewelry. The Ritani rings in white gold do have platinum prongs, which is good.

I like these for 4 prongs:




Here are some classic Tiffany style settings with 6 prongs which many people favor for the extra security:





This one has a 2.5mm shank, but the cost for all platinum is excellent if you want platinum at the lowest price point.

 
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For what it’s worth, I like the current setting far more than the other four prong options suggested— so I think this is just a taste specific thing and I’m sure you know her style.
 
I love the ring you chose. I love the setting. The color is fine. You don't know *exactly* what she wants, so switching it out might not necessarily give her something she prefers.

I'm guessing she'll love it, since narrow bands are probably the most popular option and all you can do here is go by what you know of her and by what most women prefer.

Leave it as is, and if it doesn't work out for her, she can change the setting somewhere down the track. But for now, you're considering switching something she might or might not love...for something she might or might not love. Zero sum game.

The color should be fine. And there's almost no woman alive who would switch out .3 of a ct to go up to an F color from an H. From a J...maybe. But from an H? No.

And it's not too big.

I think you have 'did I get this right?' jitters. You'll be fine. She'll love it. :))

Yes, exactly. Especially you don't know exactly so one educated guess from you is as good as another. The best thing is you bought from WF so she can change, upgrade, etc at any time in the future. And since you're so open to learning about diamonds, appreciating them, her potentially wanting to change or upgrade in the future will not give you a heart attack. Looks like you like sparkly rocks too. You've done a great job. Wait till you present it to her. She will be floored. AND, you NEED to come back with handshots.
 
I love the current setting too. I love when all you see is a beautiful diamond and it takes center stage as this one does.
OP -I’m no where near as color sensitive as you, but an H diamond in that size is perfect, IMO. I wouldn’t go smaller and up the color, personally.
 
I say keep the setting as it is .... propose within the next 30days and let her decide what she thinks of the setting. Seems like it’s personal taste too me. You did an excellent job!
 
You’ve received a lot of excellent advice already. I just wanted to add that I just upgraded from a .71 carat to a 1.346 and I absolutely love the size. It’s not too big at all and I have a size 4.5 finger. I also have a similar background to your soon to be fiancé; the size won’t be a problem for a music teacher.
 
I love classic solitaires, but that one has some design issues that I think could be improved upon. As you said in a later post, that shank (band) is extremely thin at 1.4mm. I wouldn't consider one that thin. Around 2mm or so is still very thin but it would have more durability and presence. I also don't love the head (the part that holds the diamond) and think there are some better designed choices.



The ring in that setting is pretty, but I think it would make it a little hard to clean the stone.


Here are some on the WF site that I think are far better designed and still very classic and in the lower price ranges. I am showing you these in platinum because I think it is a better value over time, but you can switch to white gold, of course. Platinum only needs occasional polishing to restore it's shine, but white gold requires replating. Gold also wears away while platinum does not. Fine scratches on platinum are just smoothed back into the ring when polished. Some people are allergic to white gold, but platinum is hypallergenic. But if you decide you need to go with white gold, I'd consider 18k over 14k for fine jewelry. The Ritani rings in white gold do have platinum prongs, which is good.

I like these for 4 prongs:




Here are some classic Tiffany style settings with 6 prongs which many people favor for the extra security:





This one has a 2.5mm shank, but the cost for all platinum is excellent if you want platinum at the lowest price point.


I agree with @diamondseeker2006 - I think 1.4mm is very thin, especially for someone who is active. My original e-ring was 1.5mm, and it was very uncomfortable for me, it spun constantly and I felt really guilty about telling my fiance. I did, but tearfully. It was stressful. They are very popular right now...but I just don't think >2mm is terribly practical.

Some women are sentimental, and unlike many of us may not have a desire to swap settings out right away. I think we are in a minority with our willingness to do that.

The diamond is stunning. I would keep that as-is personally. But a slightly thicker shank will also balance with the stone a bit more, I think.

Just my 2 cents. If you keep the setting as-is, I also don't think it is the worst thing in the world either! Just sharing my recent experience.
 
I agree with @diamondseeker2006 - I think 1.4mm is very thin, especially for someone who is active. My original e-ring was 1.5mm, and it was very uncomfortable for me, it spun constantly and I felt really guilty about telling my fiance. I did, but tearfully. It was stressful. They are very popular right now...but I just don't think >2mm is terribly practical.

Some women are sentimental, and unlike many of us may not have a desire to swap settings out right away. I think we are in a minority with our willingness to do that.

The diamond is stunning. I would keep that as-is personally. But a slightly thicker shank will also balance with the stone a bit more, I think.

Just my 2 cents. If you keep the setting as-is, I also don't think it is the worst thing in the world either! Just sharing my recent experience.

This is such a good point... sentimentality may come in to play and she may not be willing to express any concerns within the return/exchange timeframe. I can personally attest to spinning with thinner bands so it could be a real issue. It would be safer to go with a wider band (2mm-2.5mm) for added durability and less issue with spinning. It’s really up to you. You have gotten a lot of advice but your voice has to be loudest in your final decision. I wish you all the best... and congrats on your soon to be engagement !!
 
This is such a good point... sentimentality may come in to play and she may not be willing to express any concerns within the return/exchange timeframe. I can personally attest to spinning with thinner bands so it could be a real issue. It would be safer to go with a wider band (2mm-2.5mm) for added durability and less issue with spinning. It’s really up to you. You have gotten a lot of advice but your voice has to be loudest in your final decision. I wish you all the best... and congrats on your soon to be engagement !!

Thanks! She's a professional viola player and orchestra teacher, so I was worried about the spinning too. I'm going to take advantage WF's 30 day inspection period and switch to the Danhov CL140. I love the flower setting, and the wider shank will likely be better for how much she uses her hands, and will look great on her long slender fingers.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I really appreciate it! I'll send an updated picture when I get the ring, or maybe one with it on her hand :)
 
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