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Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of Dec

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dr001

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
24
We're an unconventional couple and did everything out of order and I got my yes without a rock, but I'm not off the hook:)

I've visited several local jewelers and felt uncomfortable with the information i received. The sales people were more interested in talking about how beautiful the rings were then providing any technical information. I have terrible eyesight and can't really tell the difference between stones. This community seems to be pretty amazing and unbiased so im hopeful you guys might be able help me find the right stone. I'm looking for a 2.3-2.5 ct round diamond to be set in a thin platinum solitare setting. I'd like to keep the budget in the 25k neighborhood.

The I'm kind of stuck on that weight range, for me its the upper edge of impressive without being tacky. How should I optimize the other variables around that constraint?

Steven S., MD
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

It really depends on the lowest acceptable color to your fiancee. With your budget, you are probably looking at I/J color, which will be slightly tinted. Some people will find that acceptable, and some won't.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Lets say we're looking for something in the H-I range, the budget isn't a hard line, I just want to find a sweet spot in price right before where small incremental improvements in quality become very expensive.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

JulieN,

You obviously know a tremendous amount about this, would you be interested in trading contact information and chatting on the phone for a spell. I'd like to offer a some cash(paypal presumably) as a consulting fee for a bit of your time.

Steven
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

SI1 clarity is ok? The GIA reports show specs on the diagrams and its a bit spooky.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001|1355094428|3327140 said:
JulieN,

You obviously know a tremendous amount about this, would you be interested in trading contact information and chatting on the phone for a spell. I'd like to offer a some cash(paypal presumably) as a consulting fee for a bit of your time.

Steven
Click to expand...
We don't do that it that way around here :wavey:

You should check with the vendor if an SI1 is eye-clean.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001|1355097041|3327169 said:
SI1 clarity is ok? The GIA reports show specs on the diagrams and its a bit spooky.
Click to expand...

Actually, that diagram looks pretty clean for an SI1! Bear in mind that the diagram shows the stone many times higher than you'd see the stone even with a loupe. As JulieN said, ask if the stone is eye-clean.

Oh, and reserve it now if you're at all interested in it. Reserving it doesn't obligate you in any way.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

VRBeauty|1355105502|3327205 said:
dr001|1355097041|3327169 said:
SI1 clarity is ok? The GIA reports show specs on the diagrams and its a bit spooky.
Click to expand...

Actually, that diagram looks pretty clean for an SI1! Bear in mind that the diagram shows the stone many times higher than you'd see the stone even with a loupe. As JulieN said, ask if the stone is eye-clean.

Oh, and reserve it now if you're at all interested in it. Reserving it doesn't obligate you in any way.
Click to expand...

Yep, if you don't a lurker will snatch it out from under you - we've seen it happen time and time again. :nono:
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

of the posted diamonds, which one is being suggested i reserve? did the forums go down earlier? I was having trouble accessing them.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

PS has been doing that for a few months, maybe a server issue?

Which stones have caught your fancy? You can reserve whatever you like.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Personally, I like the GOG one. Why? The Whiteflash J might be too low of a color for you, in that size. If you know you aren't particularly color sensitive, it would be my first choice. But if a hint of color, especially from the side of the stone, would bother you than J is too low in a large sized diamond. On the other hand, the BGD is a color grade higher than GOG, and I wouldn't want the associated price premium for it. It's a $5000 jump for one color grade higher. Not worth it to me.

So, I think the GOG stone is an excellent, middle of the road, value for money winner.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

I'm sort of inclined to agree. On the hearts image for the GOG diamond there are specs about 2 o'clock. The SI1 thing is just bugging me cause i dont really know what it means. VS2 is pretty much assured to be undetectable to the eye? SI1 is usually, but not always?

The heart and arrow diagrams on all the diamonds that have them available look appear virtually identical. I suppose most retailers dont post or spend the money to have advanced scans done on lower quality stones? Could anyone point me to an example of a "bad" diamond that makes the defects more obvious?

All of the marketing material on the retailers sites talk about most of their inventory being in the top 1-2% of diamonds out there. What happens to the other 98%? no one seems to be carrying it? Does it get shipped off to zales and Jarrod's or is it just marketing speak?

Steve
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001|1355114013|3327312 said:
I'm sort of inclined to agree. On the hearts image for the GOG diamond there are specs about 2 o'clock. The SI1 thing is just bugging me cause i dont really know what it means. VS2 is pretty much assured to be undetectable to the eye? SI1 is usually, but not always?

The heart and arrow diagrams on all the diamonds that have them available look appear virtually identical. I suppose most retailers dont post or spend the money to have advanced scans done on lower quality stones? Could anyone point me to an example of a "bad" diamond that makes the defects more obvious?

All of the marketing material on the retailers sites talk about most of their inventory being in the top 1-2% of diamonds out there. What happens to the other 98%? no one seems to be carrying it? Does it get shipped off to zales and Jarrod's or is it just marketing speak?

Steve
Click to expand...

SI1 by definition means that there are inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Depending on the type of inclusions, size of inclusions, and placement of inclusions, they may translate to being seen by the naked eye, but often for people with normal eyesight, do not. It is best to figure out your own definition of 'eyeclean' (from what distance, arm's length? 10 inches? 6 inches? From the top only or from the side as well?) and ask Jon at GOG if this diamond meets those criteria for cleanliness.

A great majority of diamonds are sold through chain jewelers who misrepresent cut as the shape of the diamond, or overexaggerate how good "good" or "very good" cuts are to uninformed customers. These people are unaware of what a dramatic impact the facet angles have on the overall look of a diamond, so purchase based on primarily color and clarity alone.

Whiteflash show idealscopes of average and poorly cut diamonds here: http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/faq/idealscope-overview-and-examples.htm And Pricescope's photos here: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Yes, some of the vendors that we know of from the forum and have personally used just happen to specialize in high quality diamonds. If you add up all the mall jewelers in the country and some local independent stores, then you'll see where the other 90something% go!

I am going to look quick to see if I see anything else for you. I really think you should go with H VS2, personally. I think SI1 bothers you and I am a little worried about you going below H color.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

diamondseeker2006|1355115309|3327324 said:
Yes, some of the vendors that we know of from the forum and have personally used just happen to specialize in high quality diamonds. If you add up all the mall jewelers in the country and some local independent stores, then you'll see where the other 90something% go!

I am going to look quick to see if I see anything else for you. I really think you should go with H VS2, personally. I think SI1 bothers you and I am a little worried about you going below H color.
Click to expand...

The BGD looks nice if he wants to stay at H or above, doesn't it? I do understand those who are color sensitive - my bank account is very thankful that I am not. :wink2:

I would still suggest staying at I/SI1 *if* you are happy to deal with the idea of sending it back if it isn't what you want. You can save a lot of money and be in a spot that many of us consider sweet (in terms of value for money) if you were willing to have a look at this color/clarity combo before purchasing a higher graded stone. It is ultimately your decision though, and if you don't like the idea of inclusions visible under 10x magification, by all means jump into the VS range.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Okay, I did a quick search for you:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696796.htm ($31,536 with PS member and wire discount)

So I think you'll have to decide whether to go lower in color and/or clarity to go larger or for a lower price. Or you can go down to 2.0 cts and still get a H VS2 for around $28k. I think the Good Old Gold stone is a nice choice if you are comfortable with it's specs.

We can recommend what we think are the best settings as well, and a diamond wedding band would be nice. ;))
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

justginger|1355115611|3327327 said:
diamondseeker2006|1355115309|3327324 said:
Yes, some of the vendors that we know of from the forum and have personally used just happen to specialize in high quality diamonds. If you add up all the mall jewelers in the country and some local independent stores, then you'll see where the other 90something% go!

I am going to look quick to see if I see anything else for you. I really think you should go with H VS2, personally. I think SI1 bothers you and I am a little worried about you going below H color.
Click to expand...

The BGD looks nice if he wants to stay at H or above, doesn't it? I do understand those who are color sensitive - my bank account is very thankful that I am not. :wink2:

I would still suggest staying at I/SI1 *if* you are happy to deal with the idea of sending it back if it isn't what you want. You can save a lot of money and be in a spot that many of us consider sweet (in terms of value for money) if you were willing to have a look at this color/clarity combo before purchasing a higher graded stone. It is ultimately your decision though, and if you don't like the idea of inclusions visible under 10x magification, by all means jump into the VS range.
Click to expand...

Yes, that one looks nice, too! I just want to be sure whichever one he chooses can be done for him in plenty of time. I've just had faster dealings with WF and GOG, personally. But I am sure it depends on what you get with any of them.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Thank you for pointing these links out. I feel a lot better about looking at the ideal scope imagery. I feel better about the SI1 now--I was picturing this as little chips and dimples all over the facets, but thats really not the case. I don't think we'll be admiring the stone under magnification.

The nicer jewelry store locally was pressuring me into a Ideal 2.35 J VS2 priced at 23,800. I live in a high sales tax state, so i thought I might be able to do a little better online and found out there was a lot they weren't discussing with me, so sincerely, thank you to all the posters who have contributed thus far.

Steve
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Most of us came here exactly like you did, and I certainly think making the purchase out of state is a wise idea! Once you decide on a stone (and some of these can be reserved online), let us know and we'll be glad to help you with the setting! I have favorites with each of these jewelers!
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Most people would regard what we're looking at as pretty nice stones? Am I in the territory where I can't make a bad choice? Qualitatively speaking, will her friends(a bunch of accountants) look at this and drop the unimpressed face say thats a big cheap looking rock or holy shit thats awesome!

My instructions on a setting were simple, elegant, not blingy, no stones on setting. She has very thin fingers, size 4.0. I'd like something that makes it look almost as if the diamond is just floating on her hand.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Before I started, the only online vendor i was familiar with was BN. They don't seem especially popular here. Are the reservations along the lines of bigger company, less personal? Or are their offerings priced uncompetitively?
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001|1355118057|3327340 said:
Most people would regard what we're looking at as pretty nice stones? Am I in the territory where I can't make a bad choice? Qualitatively speaking, will her friends(a bunch of accountants) look at this and drop the unimpressed face say thats a big cheap looking rock or holy shit thats awesome!

My instructions on a setting were simple, elegant, not blingy, no stones on setting. She has very thin fingers, size 4.0. I'd like something that makes it look almost as if the diamond is just floating on her hand.
Click to expand...

Yes, if you get an ideal cut diamond, everyone will be VERY impressed. Ideal cuts sparkle way more than the average diamond. With a 2+ carat diamond I wouldn't go TOO thin on the band, for structural integrity reasons, but if you look at a ruler 2mm is pretty thin and everyone here seems to agree that's a safe size. The big question if you're getting a solitaire is four prongs or six prongs? I'm a six-prong fan because it makes the stone look rounder. Other people like four because they feel the two extra prongs obscure too much of the stone for them (which I don't get). I'm a fan of the Vatche settings. Lots of people on here have, I think, the Vatche U-113 which is this forum's favorite Tiffany-style solitaire. I personally am a big fan of the Vatche Swan and the Vatche Royal Crown. With a size four finger, a 2ct+ diamond is going to cover so much of it that it WILL just look like it's floating on her finger unless you get a really thick band.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001|1355118809|3327342 said:
Before I started, the only online vendor i was familiar with was BN. They don't seem especially popular here. Are the reservations along the lines of bigger company, less personal? Or are their offerings priced uncompetitively?
Click to expand...

The reason Blue Nile isn't as popular is because it doesn't offer the same services that many of the forum's more favored vendors do - no idealscope or ASET, all the diamonds not in their signature line are drop-shipped so you can't get any more info on them, have to spend at least twice as much to upgrade, etc.
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

I agree with distracts. I wouldn't go thinner than 1.8mm, and 2mm would be my preference. As DS stated, each of these vendors offers a beautiful solitaire, and each of the stones suggested will be stunning, so you really can't go wrong.

Most vendors have about a 2 week turnaround time for stock settings. Some are faster than others, but since you are working with a deadline that is fast approaching, and because it's the holiday season when vendors are especially busy, I would try to make your selection as quickly as possible. Should an unfortunate surprise pop up, (they rarely do) you will be grateful for the few extra days to have it corrected.

I forgot to both welcome you to PS and congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials. Congrats! :appl: and Welcome! :wavey:
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

Hello :)
My ring is an I SI2 in a Vatche U113 setting I got from ID jewelry in the NYC diamond district. We got it online to avoid sales tax, but I did visit the store to see it in person. I find my setting to be sturdy yet delicate. Many vendors carry this brand so you can look around for it and not buy from just one spot.

imageuploadedbytapatalk1355146029.jpg

imageuploadedbytapatalk1355146055.jpg

imageuploadedbytapatalk1355146073.jpg
 
Re: Clueless guy needs help--getting married on the 27th of

dr001-Mico's setting is beautiful...GOG carries it. They have a bunch of different designers and Marie can suggest a setting based on your requirements.
 
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