5.01radiant center stone, should I upgrade?

[radiantbeauty]

Great question Gypsy!

I love that it is unique. It is not a style you would typically see. It's different in how the rounds are set (bead and channel set), the two "surprise" diamonds you see at the bottom of the setting, the floating diamond in the center. I love how the diamonds flow under the center stone vs stopping where it would typically meet with the center stone. I did like that there were diamonds in the prongs.

It is not the traditional styles you see. I love that it has mixture of stones of rounds, princess and radiant.

 

[Gypsy]

Great question Gypsy!

I love that it is unique. It is not a style you would typically see. It's different in how the rounds are set (bead and channel set), the two "surprise" diamonds you see at the bottom of the setting, the floating diamond in the center. I love how the diamonds flow under the center stone vs stopping where it would typically meet with the center stone. I did like that there were diamonds in the prongs.

It is not the traditional styles you see. I love that it has mixture of stones of rounds, princess and radiant.

So you like the design AND you like that it's different. Then I think you should modify it and love it again.

 

[Niel]

I understand the want to have something unique. who DOESNT love someone stopping you on the street to tell you something you have is lovely

But I think having a stone that really performs will have the same effect just for different reasons.

I like gypsy's idea of an oval. It would provide a lot of finger coverage, paired with some half moons (which i am pushing just because those are my DREAM setting if I could afford a substantial oval, so i may be projecting a little ) and with double claw or claw prongs you're leaning toward now (understandably!! they are fantastic). Plus your setting seems very current, its hard to say you wouldnt tire of it faster than a more traditional setting

But then again that would mean a whole new everything probably, and i dont know exactly what that would mean for the budget.

Regardless of what you decide, what a wonderful problem to have


Plus, I really liked the way your ring look in the original setting. And feel free not to take any of my ideas!! Its your ring you wanna love it, not listen to this woman just running wild with your budget haha

heres kaleighs oval and this is just 2 ct and looks so big

 

[radiantbeauty]

Thanks Gypsy and nielseel...

Thanks for the pic too. I have already added the oval as an option as well.

I really thought I was going to be limited in my options but you all have offered very some useful and diverse options. I have a lot to consider.

I can not say thanks enough!

 

[distracts]

Hi Gypsythanks for the feedback!

It's interesting you mentioned The key for selling/trading any stone that doesn't have a trade in policy is that it has to be well cut, perform well, GIA or AGS certified and within a certain desirable range of color and clarity, not too high on color and clarity and not too low either. Both high color and clarity and very low color and clarity are hard to move. Shape also helps. More popular shapes sell better, so they will be easier to get a vendor to take as on a trade.

What do you mean by not having too high of a color and clarity? I would think that it would be better to have a "higher end diamond - especially like with a more popular stone such as a round.

Very high color and clarity are more expensive, and thus fewer consumers are able to buy them. The best bets for re-selling are probably G/H/I, VS1-Si2 (eyeclean). They look white, don't have visible inclusions, and are a good balance of quality and price. Not many people want to spend 20-30k on a 1 ct D/IF diamond if they can get something that looks basically the same for 7-10k.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Gypsythanks for the feedback!

It's interesting you mentioned The key for selling/trading any stone that doesn't have a trade in policy is that it has to be well cut, perform well, GIA or AGS certified and within a certain desirable range of color and clarity, not too high on color and clarity and not too low either. Both high color and clarity and very low color and clarity are hard to move. Shape also helps. More popular shapes sell better, so they will be easier to get a vendor to take as on a trade.

What do you mean by not having too high of a color and clarity? I would think that it would be better to have a "higher end diamond - especially like with a more popular stone such as a round.

Very high color and clarity are more expensive, and thus fewer consumers are able to buy them. The best bets for re-selling are probably G/H/I, VS1-Si2 (eyeclean). They look white, don't have visible inclusions, and are a good balance of quality and price. Not many people want to spend 20-30k on a 1 ct D/IF diamond if they can get something that looks basically the same for 7-10k.

Exactly! Plus, most Americans put size over the rarity of D IF. It's a matter of what will attract the largest percentage of buyers when you are selling/trading something-- the more POTENTIAL buyers the better the chance of a sale and a quick sale to boot (holding inventory costs you money and opportunity). The 'sweet spot" in terms of specs for diamonds for quick sale is F/G/H and VS2 or SI1 if eyeclean. That's where the most 'value' is in white diamonds. It's where you can best balance size/color/clarity.

Then there is cut and performance, THAT is where the "higher end" of it all comes in. And THAT is what you want to maximize and where you want to spend your money. Great cut will mask color AND inclusions (if the faceting is not step cut) and will make the diamond appear as large as possible and will be the most appealing visually.

 

[radiantbeauty]

Awesome advice gypsy! Thanks much!!

That gives me clearer direction for stone specs.

 

[radiantbeauty]

Much thanks to you distracts!

I have a clearer idea of what to strive for

 

[Gypsy]

Awesome advice gypsy! Thanks much!!

That gives me clearer direction for stone specs.

I should have added. Making sure the lab report for the diamond is GIA or AGS is also HUGE and really key.

 

[radiantbeauty]

Speaking of GIA reports ................. I just received a "possibility" for a stone.

Vendor is looking to have the stone shipped to qualify it onsite to ensure there are no visible inclusions and to look at the color. Vendor hopes to have it in the next few days.

What does everyone think of the numbers on this stone? No ASET yet.

GIA
Cushion
4.51
9.79 x 9.22
Table: 71%
Depth: 68.9%
Polish: VG
Symmetry: G
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Comments: Clouds and pinpoints not shown.

Vendor thinks with these dimensions this will work in the current setting

 

[Gypsy]

Speaking of GIA reports ................. I just received a "possibility" for a stone.

Vendor is looking to have the stone shipped to qualify it onsite to ensure there are no visible inclusions and to look at the color. Vendor hopes to have it in the next few days.

What does everyone think of the numbers on this stone? No ASET yet.

GIA
4.51
9.79 x 9.22
Table: 71%
Depth: 68.9%
Polish: VG
Symmetry: G
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Comments: Clouds and pinpoints not shown.

Vendor thinks with these dimensions this will work in the current setting

Deep with a big table. It's a radiant (you didn't list what the cut was).
Can they run a SARIN on it and tell you the crown height?
Is the flourescence having any negative effect?
Why is the symmetry only good? What is setting that grade?

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1486883.asp I like this one. Weighs a TON less (a full 1/2 carat) and faces up bigger!!!

And it's got nice faceting. You'd have to get a Sarin to see if the performance is good, but it has potential.

Also, even though it is an I, if the light performance is a good it will look WHITER than a poorly cut H or even G.

 

[radiantbeauty]

Ooops! I see I didn't include the shape originally. I just edited it in the post. Thanks for bringing that to my attention gypsy and I will look at what you sent me.

I was actually told it is a cushion.

On to the questions:

Can they run a SARIN on it and tell you the crown height?
I am not sure what that is but I will ask. I will research more on that as well. I have seen this symbol on some of the PS Vendor sites.

Is the flourescence having any negative effect?
Do you mean does it affect the color and/or brilliance of the stone?

Why is the symmetry only good?
Good question. I have no idea. I am not as knowledgeable as all the PS experts about specs on a diamond. I can certainly ask and see what kind of response I receive. Does this cause a concern?

What is setting that grade?
What do you mean? Are you talking about the cut grade such as excellent, very good, good?

 

[Gypsy]

Ooops! I see I didn't include the shape originally. I just edited it in the post. Thanks for bringing that to my attention gypsy and I will look at what you sent me.

I was actually told it is a cushion.

On to the questions:

Can they run a SARIN on it and tell you the crown height?
I am not sure what that is but I will ask. I will research more on that as well. I have seen this symbol on some of the PS Vendor sites. http://www.passion-cut.com/photos/siteMainImages/Diamond_Anatomy.jpg how HIGH the crown is affects the amount of fire, a diamond with a large table can have less fire if the crown height isn't too height.

Is the flourescence having any negative effect?
Do you mean does it affect the color and/or brilliance of the stone? https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-flourescence

Why is the symmetry only good?
Good question. I have no idea. I am not as knowledgeable as all the PS experts about specs on a diamond. I can certainly ask and see what kind of response I receive. Does this cause a concern? Ask.

What is setting that grade?
What do you mean? Are you talking about the cut grade such as excellent, very good, good? This was a tag along to the symmetry. I was asking what aspect of the diamond's symmetry was resulting in the only 'good' symmetry grade

You need to start at the top of the page. In the bar up there there is a "knowledge" tab. Read all the links there. That will give you a basic working knowledge of diamonds and will help you.

Would you buy anything else for thousands of dollars without basic research? A car? A house? A business? Nope. So you need to do your research here too.

 

[radiantbeauty]

Will do!!

thanks!

 

[radiantbeauty]

UPDATE…

Hi Everyone!

I have been doing tons of research and spoke with various vendors to discuss my options regarding my setting and stone. I have decided to take a few of your suggestions. For now, I am keeping the center stone. I will upgrade later when we reach a milestone in our lives. I will take a much different approach when looking for my next stone. I don’t want to rush looking for my stone, so for now, I’ll wait. Plus, I am loving all the different style stones posted, I would not know which one to pick anyway!!

In the meantime, I thought giving the stone a *different look* would be the next best step. I had the stone reset in a tapered baguette style setting and decided a large pointer (40 pointer plus) asscher ½ eternity band would be a perfect match – which is currently in production and is expected to be ready next week. The new setting looks gorgeous!! A very clean style and I looooove it. I showed it to my FI and he does NOT like it. He wants me to remove the stone and set it back to the original setting. There was a biiiiig misunderstanding between us about this as he thought as I was just designing a new setting on *paper* when it was actually in production. In our discussions, I really did not know how much the original setting meant so out of respect and love for him, I will be talking to my local jeweler and seeing what we can do to change it back. I asked my FI if he was OK with me changing the prongs from the top view to a claw like setting as I think it over powers the stone and he is fine with that as long as the stone goes back to the original setting.

I thought I would share with you all pics of the reset before the stone is removed. I took them with my phone, so not the best pictures, but you get the idea...

 

[radiantbeauty]

A few more...

 

[Niel]

Oh I'm totally in love!!!!

 

[radiantbeauty]

Now I’m back to the drawing board…

I have to figure out what to do with the new setting and this new asscher band. I think it might look a little OTT if I have two wedding like sets on my hand – although I looove bling! I am thinking either trade in the setting and get bigger pointer stones and wear it as a RHR or put towards another piece of jewelry or put a really nice gemstone in it and wear it as planned as 2 rings. The only thing is, is I don’t know a gemstone will look good with the tapered sides. I really love it with the diamond in it.

If you have suggestions, please share!!

 

[radiantbeauty]

Oh I'm totally in love!!!!

Thank you!!

 

[Niel]

You can't go back now! That's to pretty to go back to that old one. Could you just compromise and put a colored stone in it???? Its so classic looking now

 

[heididdl]

I would keep your stone and change the setting it is so far off your hand. a gorgous halo would be spectacular

 

[heididdl]

LOVE IT

 

[lambskin]

I can understand being unhappy with a off-colored stone that appears flawed even a foot away. But you knew how it looked when you got it and designed the custom setting to be very, very blingy. Dissatisfied with the stone you searched to upgrade. You also were undecided about cut when looking for an upgrade. Price shock re the upgrade. So, you decide on a very classic redesign with tapered baquettes which IMHO looked absolutely gorgeous. But your FI did not like it and you are changing back? And you had commissioned an asscher wedding band that may be impracticable? It seems like buying the new band was a way to preserve the bling-bling of the old setting which you still love and may feel that the three stone setting is lacking. Are you throwing away good money after bad to make up for the dissatisfaction of the stone and setting? I think Dougsgirl was 100% correct in her posts. I think a sapphire or emerald or other colored stone would be a great replacement for the diamond in the bling-bling setting and the cost would be much less than for a diamond of the same size. Keep the new 3 stone setting and wear it with the asscher band. Very sleek and timeless. Save up your money to upgrade when you can afford the exact stone you want.

 

[Clairitek]

Let him take some time to get used to it. This setting kicks so much booty! It's so classy and gorgeous! I hope in time he will get used to seeing it on your hand. It really makes your radiant shine!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Let him take some time to get used to it. This setting kicks so much booty! It's so classy and gorgeous! I hope in time he will get used to seeing it on your hand. It really makes your radiant shine!

Umm ditto.

This new setting is one billion times nicer than the old one! Why should he win this "argument"? You wear it. He can wear the other one if he likes it so much

 

[Dreamer_D]

I just looked back again. Pleade do not set your diamond back in your original mount!!! This one is so much nicer for letting the diamond be the star of the show, and it is timeless and classic and amazing.

 

[Niel]

Let him take some time to get used to it. This setting kicks so much booty! It's so classy and gorgeous! I hope in time he will get used to seeing it on your hand. It really makes your radiant shine!

Umm ditto.

This new setting is one billion times nicer than the old one! Why should he win this "argument"? You wear it. He can wear the other one if he likes it so much

ah hahaha. Id be so mad if my FI told me what setting to use. I get it it, you like it, lets find another way to use it then

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, the new setting is about 1000 times better than the old one. Gorgeous, really! It makes an amazing difference. The asscher band sounds gorgeous, too!

I always try to be totally honest, so I am going to be blunt. This is a ring for YOU to wear for many years (unless you upgrade the stone at some point). I think it is fine for your fiance to have an opinion. However, his greatest aim in life needs to be to please YOU, not to force his desires and preferences on you. Tell him what if he wanted to buy a Porsche for himself but you told him no, that you like a Mercedes station wagon SO much better and would rather him get that?! Would he just say fine, I'll go with the wagon since you like it better??? He needs to get his thinking straightened out now, before the wedding.

Many of us said before to keep the old setting and have a colored stone set in it. But for an engagement ring, I think the new setting is FAR more classy looking than the first one. Please do not rush to change it. The other ring will go out of style and this one will not.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Haha, or in the words of Dreamer, it is a billion times better! (she posted while I had my reply screen open)