1 solitaire vs. 7 clusters

[ajh8834]

Can somebody tell me why/how a ring with 7 clusters of .15 diamonds (which equal to about 1 carat) costs half of the price of a 1 solitaire 1 carat ring?? Yes, solitaire has a GIA report, but just for that??? They are equally pretty in my eyes...

1. I am looking at a Tiffany novo replica 1 carat ring for $3500
(GIA rated, color G, SI2)
OR
2. seven little diamond cluster 1 carat ring for $1400.
(not rated, H to I color, no other info.)

I LOVE both!! But I do want my fiance to spend the least money possible...

 

[Lauren Q]

Hello,

No, it isn''t because of the GIA report. Diamonds larger in size are rarer and therefore most costly. As you mention, each stone in this ring is .15ct which is 1.05 total carat weight. Total diamond carat weight in any piece of jewelry shouldn''t be compared to a single stone.

 

[Londongirl1]

For me it's about personal preference. I love the look of my solitaire with it's color and sparkle of a larger single stone rather than smaller stones put together. But if you're happy with a cluster and you want to save your Fiance some $$$ then go with the cluster.

 

[makemepretty]

A cluster ring will not sparkle the same as a solitaire. Not at all. I talked myself into cluster earrings, they sparkled at the mall. Sadly, that was the last time they really sparkled. Now I have solitaire set earrings and they are soooo much better. It is better to buy a smaller solitaire than a larger cluster.

 

[loverock]

Date: 8/25/2009 8:51:25 AM
Author: makemepretty
A cluster ring will not sparkle the same as a solitaire. Not at all. I talked myself into cluster earrings, they sparkled at the mall. Sadly, that was the last time they really sparkled. Now I have solitaire set earrings and they are soooo much better. It is better to buy a smaller solitaire than a larger cluster.

I totally agree. I had a pair of cluster earrings too. I ended up buying another pair of solitaire earrings too. Because the clusters are just not as pretty as the solitaire ones.

Better to go with the solitaire. It might be more expensive, but it will keep its value too.

Loverock

 

[denverappraiser]

Play a bit with the loose stone database and it’s easy to see the effect. Look up 0.50-0.51ct/VS1/F/round and notice the prices. Then change the size range to 1.00-1.01ct while leaving the others the same and do it again. Repeat for 1.50, 2.0, 2.50, etc. You’ll notice a steep price curve associated with size that’s just inherent to the diamond business. There’s certainly nothing wrong with clusters for folks who like them and the lower prices are definitely a feature, in fact it's usually the whole point, but they simply aren’t the same thing as a single larger stone.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[oneandahalfrock]

Please don''t get the cluster for an e-ring... you''ll regret it anytime anyone looks closely at it. I detest cluster rings and invisible setting that make little diamonds look like one big one- no matter how well done, they always look cheap up close. Now a vintage ring in a illusion setting is a whole ''nother story- those are classic, and just one diamond- it the rest of the setting is nice, I think those can be very attractive.

But keep it mind, this is all my humble opinion- it''s totally up to you

 

[Camille]

Major ditto, vintage Marguerite style rings are delicious!

 

[Amethyste]

Date: 8/25/2009 12:19:00 PM
Author: oneandahalfrock
Please don't get the cluster for an e-ring... you'll regret it anytime anyone looks closely at it. I detest cluster rings and invisible setting that make little diamonds look like one big one- no matter how well done, they always look cheap up close. Now a vintage ring in a illusion setting is a whole 'nother story- those are classic, and just one diamond- it the rest of the setting is nice, I think those can be very attractive.

But keep it mind, this is all my humble opinion- it's totally up to you

No cluster - it's just not the same . I think over time, you'll be regretting it. I think perhaps clusters work well for RHR. They are pretty in their own rights, just not as an Ering however.

*MINITHREADJACK* One1/2rock - LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR NEW AVATAR!!!!!! that's one lovely ring you've got up there

 

[ajh8834]

Thanks so much for your input!!! Question... do you happen to have a picture of a Marguerite style ring?? I googled it and only got one picture with diamonds, and it looked similar to the one that I posted.. Can you tell me what the difference is?? I really like the cluster look but wanna get something that would be worth getting. THANKS AGAIN!!

 

[Camille]

Most of the time the center is a larger stone and set a bit higher, ie Princess Diana''s ring [all diamonds] the mass produced ones diamonds are set flattish and the plate is suspended by 4-5 prongs vs vintage solid set with cute under gallery.