Diamond size...sounds stupid, but is 1 carat too big?

[nyvelocet]

Ok bear with me...my girlfriend doesn''t wear much jewelry and I know that for an engagement ring, I need to get something classic, discrete, etc.

So I''m going for a single round diamond in a Tiffany setting on a platinum band.

I''m going to go and have a look at a few 1carat rings but as you lot are all so knowledgeable I thought I''d check here first. Would a 0.92 carat be too big? She''s about 5''5, slim, fairly small fingers.

I''m sure it''s a stupid question but it''s the final hurdle/issue for me

Thanks everyone

 

[MikeRato1]

nyvelocet - believe it or not but there is actually a thing as too big. my girlfriend says that number is somewhere around the 16ct mark

 

[heather318]

Honestly, I think that is a question that you need to ask your girlfriend.. Everyone has different opinions and taste when it comes to the size of a diamond for an e-ring!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/18/2008 3:51:15 PM
Author:nyvelocet
Ok bear with me...my girlfriend doesn''t wear much jewelry and I know that for an engagement ring, I need to get something classic, discrete, etc.

So I''m going for a single round diamond in a Tiffany setting on a platinum band.

I''m going to go and have a look at a few 1carat rings but as you lot are all so knowledgeable I thought I''d check here first. Would a 0.92 carat be too big? She''s about 5''5, slim, fairly small fingers.

I''m sure it''s a stupid question but it''s the final hurdle/issue for me

Thanks everyone

I am sure that size would be fine. But if you can find out what sort of size she prefers, that may be the best thing - not a stupid question at all! But in my opinion, I think around the 1 carat mark is a good '' safe'' size and seems to be a popular one.

 

[nyvelocet]

Thanks all. I''ve been looking at loose diamonds recently, and the last one I saw that was set was 0.54 which was slightly on the small side. Now I''ve got some new prices and sizes (0.92) I need to go back and see what that would be like when it''s set.

I can''t ask her about this, she''s a bit of a traditionalist so I''ve got to make this 100% a surprise.

She prefers smaller things, but I think 1 carat will be ok, and as it''s a diamond I''m sure she''ll make an exception!

 

[Sparkles22]

Date: 3/18/2008 4:08:45 PM
Author: nyvelocet
Thanks all. I''ve been looking at loose diamonds recently, and the last one I saw that was set was 0.54 which was slightly on the small side. Now I''ve got some new prices and sizes (0.92) I need to go back and see what that would be like when it''s set.

I can''t ask her about this, she''s a bit of a traditionalist so I''ve got to make this 100% a surprise.

She prefers smaller things, but I think 1 carat will be ok, and as it''s a diamond I''m sure she''ll make an exception!

I do recommend this. I think for the most part diamonds look larger when they are set. Good luck with your search!

 

[nyvelocet]

From my limited experience I''ll agree! Before I started researching all this, I didn''t realize how high the diamond would sit on the ring, and that definitely adds size to it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/18/2008 4:08:45 PM
Author: nyvelocet
Thanks all. I''ve been looking at loose diamonds recently, and the last one I saw that was set was 0.54 which was slightly on the small side. Now I''ve got some new prices and sizes (0.92) I need to go back and see what that would be like when it''s set.

I can''t ask her about this, she''s a bit of a traditionalist so I''ve got to make this 100% a surprise.

She prefers smaller things, but I think 1 carat will be ok, and as it''s a diamond I''m sure she''ll make an exception!

A carat is the size that many aspire to, so personally I don''t think you can go wrong. Also make sure you get a well cut diamond so that it looks the right size for it''s weight face up, and gives your GF the all important sparkle factor! If you need any help on cut, feel free to post the proportions of the diamonds you are interested in, and we can go from there. We would need;

depth
table
crown angle
pavillion angle
polish
symmetry
girdle thickness
diameter measurement.

This info can usually be found on the grading report. Hope this helps!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

not a stupid question at all!

of course, diamond size is a very personal issue. Since you''re looking to surprise her, then you''re gonna have to do some homework and be super-observant. check out the erings her friends/family members wear. are they large, small, intricate, simple? has she ever commented on any particular one?

good luck!

 

[surfgirl]

A well cut 1ct stone will look lovely and fantastic on a petite woman, absolutely! Can you just go window shopping with her? Obviously she knows a proposal is coming, yes? Could you just take her shopping and see what she likes best, then make your decisions?

 

[nyvelocet]

Thanks. The basic specs are:

0.92
E
VS2
Ideal/excellent cut

I don''t have the various angles, dimensions in front of me so I can''t give you those proportions, although they all fell in the range to be considered an excellent cut.

It would go on a 6-prong Tiffany setting, with a platinum band.

And would cost me $5k in total.

It''s quite sparkley

 

[nyvelocet]

Surfgirl, she doesn''t know the proposal is coming but she''ll definitely say yes, if that makes sense

Some careful questioning and interpreting...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I ct is a safe size, looks dainty and pretty on the finger.

DD

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 3/18/2008 4:00:29 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 3/18/2008 3:51:15 PM

Author:nyvelocet

Ok bear with me...my girlfriend doesn''t wear much jewelry and I know that for an engagement ring, I need to get something classic, discrete, etc.


So I''m going for a single round diamond in a Tiffany setting on a platinum band.


I''m going to go and have a look at a few 1carat rings but as you lot are all so knowledgeable I thought I''d check here first. Would a 0.92 carat be too big? She''s about 5''5, slim, fairly small fingers.


I''m sure it''s a stupid question but it''s the final hurdle/issue for me


Thanks everyone

I am sure that size would be fine. But if you can find out what sort of size she prefers, that may be the best thing - not a stupid question at all! But in my opinion, I think around the 1 carat mark is a good '' safe'' size and seems to be a popular one.

Me ditto Lorelei.

 

[DiamondGirlHH]

I think anywhere between 0.75ct to 1.00ct is a nice size. Of course finally it''s up to the person who will be wearing.

Once I read survey results about the engagement rings and average center stone sizes in the US and each city/state came out differently. Somehow the coastal cities voted for larger diamonds than the rest of the country.

 

[choro72]

Date: 3/18/2008 3:54:37 PM
Author: MikeRato1
nyvelocet - believe it or not but there is actually a thing as too big. my girlfriend says that number is somewhere around the 16ct mark

Hahaha, your girlfriend is funny

However, I must disagree. As long as the stone is smaller than this stone, it will not be too big.

nyvelocet, for a 5.5 finger size, it will not be too big!

 

[ajl]

I think it is a very nice size but ChargerGrrl makes a great point about checking out the size of her friends'' rings. Plus since she is a tradionalist I bet she will love the classic setting.

 

[nclrgirl]

I didn''t wear any jewelry before my FI and I got engaged and when he gave me my e-ring (1.1 carat princess cut, so it looks a bit smaller than a 1 carat round) I thought it was HUGE. I got used to it!

 

[cole22]

Hi! Ironic that I read this post. I am 5''5", slender, and wear a size 4 ring. I do not typically wear jewelry every day except for my watch. So, I understand your question and concern. I think a .92 would be perfect! My boyfriend and I looked at 1 carats and they were not too big. I thought they looked well proportioned on my finger Don''t ruin the surprise by taking her shopping or asking her. It sounds like you have chosen a classic, simple ring and I think she will love it!!!! Hope this helps! Good luck and congratulations!

 

[kcoursolle]

.92 is an excellent size for a petite woman. I am 5''3, petite, and have small fingers and I think 1 carat looks fabulous on me. It looks large without looking too large and I think it is a stone size that will continue to look classic over time. However, what really matters is what size your gf prefers, stone size is very much due to preferences!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 3/18/2008 4:35:46 PM
Author: nyvelocet
Thanks. The basic specs are:

0.92
E
VS2
Ideal/excellent cut

I don''t have the various angles, dimensions in front of me so I can''t give you those proportions, although they all fell in the range to be considered an excellent cut.

It would go on a 6-prong Tiffany setting, with a platinum band.

And would cost me $5k in total.

It''s quite sparkley

What kind of lab certificate does it have? I think the price is too low if it is really ideal and E VS2 (GIA or AGS).

 

[rainydaze]

nyvelocet - is there someone close to her you could pose this question to? her mother? a sibling? a friend who could keep the secret? i hoped for (and got) a surprise proposal but as with your situation i knew i wanted to marry my DH and was pretty confident he felt the same. so i let my mom and sister know my tastes and preference just in case he should happen to ask. her taste in jewelry/an engagement ring could very well be something that she has talked about with someone and they might be able to offer you some insight.

also, 5k does seem a bit low to me as well for an ideal .92, E, VS2. i would definitely do some checking around!

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 3/18/2008 3:54:37 PM
Author: MikeRato1
nyvelocet - believe it or not but there is actually a thing as too big. my girlfriend says that number is somewhere around the 16ct mark

Seems like your girlfriend and I could have a lot in common!

 

[marcy]

Does she wear any rings at all? That might give you an idea of what size stone she likes. As so many had said on this thread, it is a personal choice but I think the size you are looking at sounds great. Even if it''s a little larger than shes used to; she''ll quickly get used to it. The one you''ve picked out sounds nice.

 

[nyvelocet]

Great, lots of updates to sort through! Internet is playing up a bit, so just a quick one for now and I''ll check in more detail tomorrow at work.

Ok...the full list

0.92
E
VS2
Ideal
Table is 59
Depth is 60
Crown is 34.5
Pavilion is 41

It''s GIA certified, it was used by someone who has traded it up for a new diamond. I''m guessing that''s why it''s that price. There are 2 little inclusions when viewed through a loupe but that''s all.

Thanks for all the feedback, I''ll check out a couple in a store just to get a final idea. But it sounds like the specifications are too good to turn down!

I''m guessing after all this work you guys will want some photos

 

[honey22]

Hi! I ran those numbers through the HCA and came up with 2.1, which could be ok. However, it only scored very good for light return, fire and scintillation, which means that it won''t be as sparkly or as good performer as a true Ideal (it scores outside of AGS Ideal). On the plus side, it scores excellent for spread, but which it will face up really nice.

I would be more comfortable with a stone that scores excellent for light, return, fire and scint, and usually you will find vg for spread (not as important).

It looks promising, and if you can get as IS image, that would tell us more about how well this stone is likely to perform. It seems to be a good price, so it would be a bargain if you are not looking for a really well cut stone.

However, cut is king, and a really well cut stone will be more sparkly and look better. If you want us to suggest some stones from PS vendors, we would be more than happy to help! Try and look at AGS 000 stones, these have the best cuts and should give you an idea of how nice your stone looks in comparison.

Good luck

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/18/2008 11:13:19 PM
Author: nyvelocet
Great, lots of updates to sort through! Internet is playing up a bit, so just a quick one for now and I''ll check in more detail tomorrow at work.

Ok...the full list

0.92
E
VS2
Ideal
Table is 59
Depth is 60
Crown is 34.5
Pavilion is 41

It''s GIA certified, it was used by someone who has traded it up for a new diamond. I''m guessing that''s why it''s that price. There are 2 little inclusions when viewed through a loupe but that''s all.

Thanks for all the feedback, I''ll check out a couple in a store just to get a final idea. But it sounds like the specifications are too good to turn down!

I''m guessing after all this work you guys will want some photos

Thanks for the info. Ok, it isn''t cut to superideal standards as the table is a bit larger, but it could be a very attractive ''fine make'' of diamond and be well worth considering, especially if you have seen it. Check out some diamonds which carry the AGS0 title if you can, just to make sure the superideal type diamond isn''t more to your liking.

 

[nyvelocet]

Thanks. Going on sight, it did look very nice and I get the impression that for $4200 it is a good offer. I will check some rings after work today to get an idea of what the size would look like once it is set, but I also have an alternative diamond to consider.

This one is:

0.71
E
VS1
Dimensions 5.73 x 5.78
61.3
55
41
33.5

I checked the HCA tool you used, and it came out as the grades that you suggested - very good spread, and excellent fire, light return, etc.

I''ve been quoted $3300 for this diamond.

Can I assume that this is a better cut than the first diamond I mentioned in my original post?

 

[whatmeworry]

I don''t think you can assume that the second one is better cut than the first. At this point use your eyes and do a side by side evaluation using different lighting environments. Then pick the one you like!

 

[nyvelocet]

Will do, I''m going back tomorrow for a final check. They both looked very similar, and very good, to me