Absolute Newb: Where to start?

[Jmlleiva]

To better answer your question, BN is less expensive than JA by a little. The downfall is that you can't see the stones, so it can be a little more difficult to choose a nice one. That said, BN has a great return policy should you decide to use them. I didn't want you to think BN was "bad" or whatever.

Thanks for all the help. Factoring Financing/Appraisal/Insurance, I think I want to keep my budget below $10K with setting. I don't want to put myself into a financial bind. I'm sure I can get her something nice with that budget, right?

I'm confused because I have friends that have spent $22K on an engagement ring and others that have spent $3K.

 

[msop04]

To better answer your question, BN is less expensive than JA by a little. The downfall is that you can't see the stones, so it can be a little more difficult to choose a nice one. That said, BN has a great return policy should you decide to use them. I didn't want you to think BN was "bad" or whatever.

Thanks for all the help. Factoring Financing/Appraisal/Insurance, I think I want to keep my budget below $10K with setting. I don't want to put myself into a financial bind. I'm sure I can get her something nice with that budget, right?

I'm confused because I have friends that have spent $22K on an engagement ring and others that have spent $3K.

I also tried using the HCA tool. I understand the depth and table inputs but don't quite get the Pavilion and Crown. That isn't listed on the link below.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.65-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1071370

You can absolutely find her a nice ring for $10K! That's a nice chunk of change!! Regarding the HCA, you'll have to click on the GIA cert on that particular stone. Most of the time everything is listed on the page, but not on that one.

I don't blame you for being responsible with your finances -- good decision! I'm going to keep looking with your new budget in mind. Scratch my other suggestions, as they will exceed it.

 

[msop04]

OP, does your gf like halos? If so, they help give a lot of extra finger coverage... Just a thought.

 

[msop04]

This. This is what I'd get in that JA six prong.

AGS Ideal stones do not have to be run through the HCA. They are already cut for optimal performance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.41-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-969553

If you are interested in this stone, I'd have JA put it on hold ASAP... lots of lurkers on PS who will snatch it up if you don't move on it.

 

[msop04]

If she likes halos, this is very pretty and would give HUGE finger coverage!

This setting ($1130 in 14K white gold):
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-trellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53049

With this diamond ($7590):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1078425

I think VS1 is overkill, but this just happened to be in budget and very lovely. HCA 1.7

 

[Gypsy]

I recommend Brian Gavin Diamonds as your vendor. They have ideal cut diamonds in their Signature and Blue lines. All AGS0 stones so all you have to do is pick color and clarity. HSi1/VS2 is where I suggest you shoot for. Nicest 9,000 stone they have over a carat and this gorgeous setting: http://m.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p

In platinum.

And you will get a ring that will knock her socks off.

 

[msop04]

I recommend Brian Gavin Diamonds as your vendor. They have ideal cut diamonds in their Signature and Blue lines. All AGS0 stones so all you have to do is pick color and clarity. HSi1/VS2 is where I suggest you shoot for. Nicest 9,000 stone they have over a carat and this gorgeous setting: http://m.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p

In platinum.

And you will get a ring that will knock her socks off.

His budget is $10K for both... BGD will be significantly more expensive than JA, IDJ, BN, ED, and others. Super nice though.

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, does your gf like halos? If so, they help give a lot of extra finger coverage... Just a thought.

I don't know if she would like Halos. I'll keep that in the back of my mind.

 

[Jmlleiva]

This. This is what I'd get in that JA six prong.

AGS Ideal stones do not have to be run through the HCA. They are already cut for optimal performance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.41-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-969553

If you are interested in this stone, I'd have JA put it on hold ASAP... lots of lurkers on PS who will snatch it up if you don't move on it.

That is a nice one.

So in the search setting for James Allen if I select Ideal, I don't have to run it through HCA right?

 

[msop04]

This. This is what I'd get in that JA six prong.

AGS Ideal stones do not have to be run through the HCA. They are already cut for optimal performance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.41-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-969553

If you are interested in this stone, I'd have JA put it on hold ASAP... lots of lurkers on PS who will snatch it up if you don't move on it.

That is a nice one.

So in the search setting for James Allen if I select Ideal, I don't have to run it through HCA right?

Yes, if it's an AGS graded stone that is 0 (Ideal), then you don't have to run the HCA.

 

[msop04]

I would put that one on hold if you're even remotely interested. I'd hate for it to get snatched up!

 

[Jmlleiva]

Also, What is the difference between GIA and AGS? I know they rate diamonds, but is one superior than the other one?

 

[Jmlleiva]

I would put that one on hold if you're even remotely interested. I'd hate for it to get snatched up!

What is the procedure to put it on hold? How much money do you have to put down?

 

[msop04]

Also, What is the difference between GIA and AGS? I know they rate diamonds, but is one superior than the other one?

AGS is stricter on cut... A GIA XXX can be great, or it can be a dog. An AGS 0 (Ideal) will be great.

 

[msop04]

I would put that one on hold if you're even remotely interested. I'd hate for it to get snatched up!

What is the procedure to put it on hold? How much money do you have to put down?

No money down... Just talk to a JA rep online, and they'll hold the stone for you for so many days (2-3, I think). You are not obligated to buy it, it just keeps anyone else from doing so...

 

[Jmlleiva]

I would put that one on hold if you're even remotely interested. I'd hate for it to get snatched up!

What is the procedure to put it on hold? How much money do you have to put down?

No money down... Just talk to a JA rep online, and they'll hold the stone for you for so many days (2-3, I think). You are not obligated to buy it, it just keeps anyone else from doing so...

I looked for a setting for both of the diamonds you showed me and for both it said Showing 0 Solitaire Settings That Match Your Diamond

Is there a reason for this?

 

[Jmlleiva]

I would put that one on hold if you're even remotely interested. I'd hate for it to get snatched up!

What is the procedure to put it on hold? How much money do you have to put down?

No money down... Just talk to a JA rep online, and they'll hold the stone for you for so many days (2-3, I think). You are not obligated to buy it, it just keeps anyone else from doing so...

ah man, just when I was going to talk to someone, it said it was no longer available. PM next time. Didn't know how quick they go.

Thanks for all the help though.

 

[msop04]

Unfortunately, PS does not have a PM function. You just have to jump on it. [emoji53]

 

[msop04]

Don't worry… We will find you a very nice stone. [emoji1360][emoji1360]

 

[msop04]

I will look again tomorrow when I'm at work.

 

[Jmlleiva]

I will look again tomorrow when I'm at work.

Thanks man,

Wish I could meet you to personally thank you.

 

[msop04]

I will look again tomorrow when I'm at work.

Thanks man,

Wish I could meet you to personally thank you.

No problem! It's my pleasure! [emoji4]

 

[Gypsy]

You have the budget to get a high quality piece. I suggest you do so as this ring will be worn every day. I do NOT recommend you get a pave shank on the setting. It will make the setting less durable and harder to size. Your lady can get a lovely pave wedding band herself is she desires, later on. You also need to pick a setting that is practical and well designed. This is something that is harder to do. Many three stones settings are poorly designed, boxy in the basket, and are hard to match to straight wedding bands as a result.

The vendor that has the nicest selection of high quality three stone settings is Brian Gavin Diamonds:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p This is the setting I recommend. It will allow a variety of wedding band choices, and allow them to fit flush. Not many three stone setting will allow this. The pears will give a classic, but more unique, look than rounds would.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/diana-platinum-5981p This is a lovely classic setting, and again, will allow for a variety of wedding band options to sit flush with it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/aphrodite-platinum-5980p Another three stone, this one with pave, and again, this one will allow for a choice of different wedding bands.

Here is the center stone I recommend for any of those settings:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.205-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104084300109

And if that one stretches the budget too much, then this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.121-h-si1-round-diamond-bfg-20797 (if eyeclean).

Or this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.070-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104076722035

All of these are Signature stones. Will come with a full upgrade policy that doesn't require you spend double. And they are AGS0 stones that are ideal cut with ideal light performance. They all come with idealscope and ASET images to verify light performance and can go head to head with the most perfectly cut stones, like comparable Hearts on Fire.

If you opt to go for the second setting, I don't believe it comes with sidestones. I would ask BGD for two 15 point BGD Signature stones for it. Or you can go for these two:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.204-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104084719003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.207-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086353008

And all of these stones, plus any of the setting combinations I've listed, will bring you in easily in budget.

 

[Jmlleiva]

You have the budget to get a high quality piece. I suggest you do so as this ring will be worn every day. I do NOT recommend you get a pave shank on the setting. It will make the setting less durable and harder to size. Your lady can get a lovely pave wedding band herself is she desires, later on. You also need to pick a setting that is practical and well designed. This is something that is harder to do. Many three stones settings are poorly designed, boxy in the basket, and are hard to match to straight wedding bands as a result.

The vendor that has the nicest selection of high quality three stone settings is Brian Gavin Diamonds:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p This is the setting I recommend. It will allow a variety of wedding band choices, and allow them to fit flush. Not many three stone setting will allow this. The pears will give a classic, but more unique, look than rounds would.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/diana-platinum-5981p This is a lovely classic setting, and again, will allow for a variety of wedding band options to sit flush with it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/aphrodite-platinum-5980p Another three stone, this one with pave, and again, this one will allow for a choice of different wedding bands.

Here is the center stone I recommend for any of those settings:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.205-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104084300109

And if that one stretches the budget too much, then this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.121-h-si1-round-diamond-bfg-20797 (if eyeclean).

Or this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.070-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104076722035

All of these are Signature stones. Will come with a full upgrade policy that doesn't require you spend double. And they are AGS0 stones that are ideal cut with ideal light performance. They all come with idealscope and ASET images to verify light performance and can go head to head with the most perfectly cut stones, like comparable Hearts on Fire.

If you opt to go for the second setting, I don't believe it comes with sidestones. I would ask BGD for two 15 point BGD Signature stones for it. Or you can go for these two:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.204-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104084719003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.207-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086353008

And all of these stones, plus any of the setting combinations I've listed, will bring you in easily in budget.

I lowered my budget to $10,000 and decided to go with a single Diamond in a Solitaire setting.

Thanks for the help though. If I decide to go back to the original idea of a three stone, I will go ahead and use your advice.

 

[ringo865]

You could still use one of the Brian Gavin stones Gypsy recommended above and put it in one if their solitaire settings. Like the 1.205 carat H VS2.

I hope to have a Gypsy-selected stone someday.

 

[Jmlleiva]

@Msop04

This diamond got a 3.7 on the HCA tool. It looks eye clean. Why did it rate so bad on the HCA tool?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1095609

 

[ringo865]

Depth was 62.8 and pavilion angle was 41.2

Parameters:
table: 60 or less

depth: 62.4 or less

crown angle: 33.5-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

And the angles should be complimentary, which is what this tool (HCA) checks for you: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca Any score under 2.0 is a pass within the above parameters. This is pass/fail test. No score under 2 is better than any other.

 

[Jmlleiva]

Depth was 62.8 and pavilion angle was 41.2

Parameters:
table: 60 or less

depth: 62.4 or less

crown angle: 33.5-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

And the angles should be complimentary, which is what this tool (HCA) checks for you: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca Any score under 2.0 is a pass within the above parameters. This is pass/fail test. No score under 2 is better than any other.

Thanks for replying.

So if it passes HCA, it means .....? It will sparkle more? In other words, what I am asking is, if it meets those parameters, it means what?

I will go by those parameters.

 

[msop04]

Depth was 62.8 and pavilion angle was 41.2

Parameters:
table: 60 or less

depth: 62.4 or less

crown angle: 33.5-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

And the angles should be complimentary, which is what this tool (HCA) checks for you: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca Any score under 2.0 is a pass within the above parameters. This is pass/fail test. No score under 2 is better than any other.

Yes, ringo is correct. I know if doesn't seem like much, but tiny increments can make a big difference. But, yes, as far as clarity goes, it does look eye clean.

 

[msop04]

Thanks for replying.

So if it passes HCA, it means .....? It will sparkle more? In other words, what I am asking is, if it meets those parameters, it means what?

I will go by those parameters.

To get a score under 2 means that it is worth further consideration. Just keep in mind, the HCA isn't the "be-all-end-all" in all diamonds, but it is accurate most of the time as far as light performance goes.