Diamonds for my 5 stone. Greater than .5ct

[Phoenix]

I was lurking around the 5-stone threads and found out that the ring that got sold on JBEG that I LOVE and based all my 5-stone ideas upon was actually Phoenix's ring!

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...the-mega-bling-5-stone-club.170056/?uid=42515

LOL! That was indeed mine. That was a LOT Of finger coverage for my 4.5 RH ring finger.

I'd strongly suggest, if you're inclined to pay a little more, to go with BGD. I've learnt from experience never to say I'd never upgrade - you really never know!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I was lurking around the 5-stone threads and found out that the ring that got sold on JBEG that I LOVE and based all my 5-stone ideas upon was actually Phoenix's ring!

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...the-mega-bling-5-stone-club.170056/?uid=42515

LOL! That was indeed mine. That was a LOT Of finger coverage for my 4.5 RH ring finger.

I'd strongly suggest, if you're inclined to pay a little more, to go with BGD. I've learnt from experience never to say I'd never upgrade - you really never know!

Phoenix, did you just say that was A LOT of finger coverage? Where is the real Phoenix and what have you done to her?!

I don't mind paying a little more to go with BGD sig diamonds but they don't have any that I am looking for... And not even sure if they will have any by the end of January either. I know...I'm just being impatient... I wanna get this thing started because then it'll seem more real and also because DH has been very nice lately and I wanna make sure I get this diamond before he changes his mind

Do you not think the JA diamonds are up to par with BGD?

 

[Phoenix]

Phoenix, did you just say that was A LOT of finger coverage? Where is the real Phoenix and what have you done to her?!

I don't mind paying a little more to go with BGD sig diamonds but they don't have any that I am looking for... And not even sure if they will have any by the end of January either. I know...I'm just being impatient... I wanna get this thing started because then it'll seem more real and also because DH has been very nice lately and I wanna make sure I get this diamond before he changes his mind

Do you not think the JA diamonds are up to par with BGD?

LOL, you're too funny!

Hmmm...both JA and BGD are my fave vendors so I'd better not say anything that might upset either of them. With JA, the stones are ideal-cut whereas BGD's are super-ideal cut. I know I know, I am being super-picky but being a PS'er, I am sure you'll understand. The difference in optical performance is sooo minute, but you *will* be able to notice it.

But what's more important is that i) all the stones @ BGD are cut to the same exacting standards and by the same cutter, so they'll be and look more uniform; whereas JA sources their stones from more than one cutter; and ii) BGD stones are easier to upgrade, whereas with JA you'd have to spend double your original amount.

If I were you, I'd wait. The end of Jan will come soon enough. I tell you what: I am also waiting for my studs, so if you want some sympathy, I'll be here.

ETA: And tell DH he'd better not change his mind, or else he'd have to answer to me!

 

[Enerchi]

Morning, YT! Do you have anything listed currently on DB or LT, to help fund this purchase?? just curious...

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Morning, YT! Do you have anything listed currently on DB or LT, to help fund this purchase?? just curious...

I do not Enerchi! Why do you ask?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

To a degree, I agree with Phoenix that getting 5 matching stones is easier at BG or WF because they have the stones cut to their specifications. I think you'll find that more are in the .5-.53 range and I'd probably aim for that territory just because I think you'll find your matches easier. But I don't really think you'll be able to see a visual difference in a half carat stone when looking at a JA True Hearts versus a BG Signature or WF ACA/Expert Selection. I don't see you upgrading size, but is there any chance you might want to upgrade color? That possibility would make me definitely buy all stones from the same vendor and BG or WF because of the upgrade policy.

Just doing a quick search, I think WF had their stones this size priced lower than BG, just FYI. I always compare their prices and in really small stones, BG can be less, but in other sizes, WF is less. I personally have bought from WF several times and would use them, but I would expect price matching if you decide to use BG.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.510-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055878095 ($1842)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794518.htm ($1723)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.548-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888042 ($1749)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829785.htm ($1675)

Right now BG and WF have these:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.506-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888044

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794493.htm

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

To a degree, I agree with Phoenix that getting 5 matching stones is easier at BG or WF because they have the stones cut to their specifications. I think you'll find that more are in the .5-.53 range and I'd probably aim for that territory just because I think you'll find your matches easier. But I don't really think you'll be able to see a visual difference in a half carat stone when looking at a JA True Hearts versus a BG Signature or WF ACA/Expert Selection. I don't see you upgrading size, but is there any chance you might want to upgrade color? That possibility would make me definitely buy all stones from the same vendor and BG or WF because of the upgrade policy.

Just doing a quick search, I think WF had their stones this size priced lower than BG, just FYI. I always compare their prices and in really small stones, BG can be less, but in other sizes, WF is less. I personally have bought from WF several times and would use them, but I would expect price matching if you decide to use BG.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.510-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055878095 ($1842)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794518.htm ($1723)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.548-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888042 ($1749)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829785.htm ($1675)

Right now BG and WF have these:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.506-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888044

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794493.htm

Thank you so much DS! That last WF one is actually cheaper than the JA 5.4ct J VS2. I wonder why I didn't see these? I've feel like I've been searching and searching but never came across these diamonds. From BGD or WF!
Being from the Expert selection and not the ACA, will that be ok? I also really want BGD to make my trellis. Do you think it's weird if I buy all my diamonds from WF but have BGD make my setting?

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I just realized you said that BGD might price match their diamonds...

 

[FancyDiamond]

After seeing your trelllis, it looks gorgeous on you! But now I wonder now... You have a size 6.25 and that ctw looks amazing on you. Wonderful coverage. I wonder if I will get that kind of coverage with my 9.5 finger...

I also had a thought... if I mixed the diamonds from JA with BGD signature... do you think there will be a difference to the naked eye with performance if they are all AGS000?

"I wonder if I will get that kind of coverage with my 9.5 finger"
This is the reason why I think you can do with bigger diamonds, and suggest you to get the two 5.2mm and one 5.4mm. To ensure sufficient coverage, just get 5.4mm for the remaining two diamonds (or one 5.4mm and one slightly bigger for the middle position) and have the Trellis setting hug (wrap around) closer to your finger. If you look at the profile of my WF Trellis, you will notice that the diamond curve is raised a bit more than that in the BGD Trellis.

I agree with Diamondseeker that 7-stone would be too many. Moreover, I would rather get five bigger diamonds than seven smaller diamonds.

"if I mixed the diamonds from JA with BGD signature... do you think there will be a difference to the naked eye with performance if they are all AGS000?"
Answer is no. It does not matter where you get your diamonds. The important thing is the cut spec of each individual diamond. When I choose diamonds based on their cut spec., I make sure that they have 60%-62% depth, 54%-57% table, 34.4-34.9 crown, and 40.6-40.8 pavillion, in addition to being AGS000 or GIA ExExEx. The reason is that I prefer high crown for the rainbow effect. I am very picky about ring diamonds.

As for possible upgrade in the future, I think if I already spend a lot of money and effort on the setting, I should buy the ring with the intent of never getting an upgrade. Therefore, I make sure the diamonds are exactly what I want to keep forever. In your case, if you get the best cut diamonds and the right SIZE, there is no reason for an upgrade ever. For me, the only thing I may want to change is the color, so I would get I or higher. However, I know you are comfortable with J or lower color, then get the J diamonds at the minimum.

 

[FancyDiamond]

If I were in your situation, I would wait for the diamonds and have either WF or BGD supply me everything, diamonds and setting. Reasons are:
1. Process is much simpler. There is no worry about sending separately bought diamonds to WF or BGD, not to mention insurance.
2. Overall cost will be close.
3. I prefer I or higher color diamonds. (I find J color diamonds are not always available in WF inventory, so it is difficult to find five such diamonds of the size you want. If you find J Si1/VS2 diamonds that are well cut and reasonably priced elsewhere, then get them. However, if you are open to pay a little more for higher color diamonds, then source everything from the same vendor.)

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

If I were in your situation, I would wait for the diamonds and have either WF or BGD supply me everything, diamonds and setting. Reasons are:
1. Process is much simpler. There is no worry about sending separately bought diamonds to WF or BGD, not to mention insurance.
2. Overall cost will be close.
3. I prefer I or higher color diamonds. (I find J color diamonds are not always available in WF inventory, so it is difficult to find five such diamonds of the size you want. If you find J Si1/VS2 diamonds that are well cut and reasonably priced elsewhere, then get them. However, if you are open to pay a little more for higher color diamonds, then source everything from the same vendor.)

You're right. After much deliberation, I would rather have the company that is going to make my ring source all the diamonds. That way I have piece of mind too that this is a whole BGD piece or a WF piece. Guess this means I have to wait or get that .506 but I would rather wait and get a lower color, lower clarity and get larger mm. Thanks for all your help FD.

As for the 7-stone, I was thinking that since I had a larger finger size, I would get five 50+pointers with two smaller diamonds on the end to help wrap the diamonds around the finger. I've tried on about 2ctw 5-stone before where the diamonds were about 40+ pointers and it didn't really have that bling factor that I wanted. The picture was in my other thread about OECs. In case you didn't see the picture before, here it is.

This is the 5-stone


This is the 7-stone. Both are about 2ctw


I liked the overall size of the diamonds in the 5-stone but liked that the 7-stone did a nice wrap around my finger and had nice coverage width wise.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Pretty!!! But if you do 7 stones, you need to do a Memoire style setting because a trellis isn't going to sit as low and be a smooth edge on the side on your finger. It looks like five 50 pointers will fit your finger well, though, since those are just 40ish. I don't think it will look right to have 5 stones the same and two smaller ones on the ends, either. The only way I see that idea looking ring is if there is a slight graduation of all the stones. But if the .5's cover the top of your finger with a curve, you really won't need two extra stones anyway. I think what Fancy Diamond was saying would work. A 5.4mm in the center, then two 5.2mm stones, and the outer two could be 5.0mm. (or something like that)

Mom2boys has hers graduated.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Pretty!!! But if you do 7 stones, you need to do a Memoire style setting because a trellis isn't going to sit as low and be a smooth edge on the side on your finger. It looks like five 50 pointers will fit your finger well, though, since those are just 40ish. I don't think it will look right to have 5 stones the same and two smaller ones on the ends, either. The only way I see that idea looking ring is if there is a slight graduation of all the stones. But if the .5's cover the top of your finger with a curve, you really won't need two extra stones anyway. I think what Fancy Diamond was saying would work. A 5.4mm in the center, then two 5.2mm stones, and the outer two could be 5.0mm. (or something like that)

Mom2boys has hers graduated.

Thanks DS. This is quite the learning experience! As beautiful as Mom2boys' is, I don't think I like the graduated look. I think now I know exactly what I want. 5-stone all the same size 5.4mmish diamonds, and I still want the BGD trellis (all I ever wanted). What do you think?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My greatest hesitation is that .50-.54's are plentiful, but .58's are not nearly as common in the WF and BG inventories. You could be waiting quite a bit longer for five 5.4mm stones as compared with five 5.2mm stones.

But I do like the idea of 5 stones the same size.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just did a quick search on BG of G-J color and VS2-SI1 clarity, and there are 16 stones total,

6 are 50. and .51,

4 are .52 and .53,

4 are .54 and .55,

1 is .56 and .57

1 is .58. and .59

Counting differently, there are 7 in the .51-.52 range, and those are around 5.15-5.24mm.

So you can see that most of the stones in the .50 range are cut in the .50-.55 range.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Checking WF ACA and Expert Selection, they had 14 total with same range of specs.

3 at .50 and .51

4 at .52 and .53

3 at .54 and .55

4 at .56 and .57

0 at .58 and .59

So they did have more above .55, but they are all G and H color.

You might be able to do .53-.54 and around 5.25mm. They both have mostly G-H and few I and J.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I just did a quick search on BG of G-J color and VS2-SI1 clarity, and there are 16 stones total, 6 are 50. and .51, 4 are .52 and .53, 4 are .54 and .55, 1 is .56, and 1 is .58.

Counting differently, there are 7 in the .51-.52 range, and those are around 5.15-5.24mm.

So you can see that most of the stones in the .50 range are cut in the .50-.55 range.

Thank you DS. I see what you mean. I guess I'm not as concerned because I won't need these diamonds all at the same time in a rush. But I totally understand that it's easier to get a .54ct and under diamond. If I get all 5.2mm diamonds, the overall mm is 26 and 5.4mm is 27... an increase of 1mm. You're more educated than me DS, will I be able to see that 1mm difference? I'm thinking you're probably gonna say I should stay with 5.2mm and I am inclined to agree. I'm sorry I keep going back and forth! I thought a 5-stone would be easy but it's hard! Or maybe I am just making it hard with my OCD. I think that once I find a diamond and purchase I will be happy. Thank you DS for being so helpful!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You know, we are all a little on the obsessive side around here, so we all understand!!! When I look at my tape measure, there is very little difference in 1mm on the finger. I have held it up to my finger several times since you started the thread! So I think if your goal was for all the stones to be 5.20-5.29mm, for example, that would work fine. Let me look quick and see how many fall into that range since the diameter is actually more important than the weight!

Okay, 8 of the BG stones were in the 5.2-5.29 range, and 4 or 5 of the WF stones were. I think there were actually more in the 5.10-5.19 range, but it looks like plenty end up in the .52-.54 ct size, many of which fall into that 5.2mm range.

I think the thing that worries me more is that neither one has hardly any J's. It may be a lot easier to do I color.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

You know, we are all a little on the obsessive side around here, so we all understand!!! When I look at my tape measure, there is very little difference in 1mm on the finger. I have held it up to my finger several times since you started the thread! So I think if your goal was for all the stones to be 5.20-5.29mm, for example, that would work fine. Let me look quick and see how many fall into that range since the diameter is actually more important than the weight!

Okay, 8 of the BG stones were in the 5.2-5.29 range, and 4 or 5 of the WF stones were. I think there were actually more in the 5.10-5.19 range, but it looks like plenty end up in the .52-.54 ct size, many of which fall into that 5.2mm range.

I think the thing that worries me more is that neither one has hardly any J's. It may be a lot easier to do I color.

Oh DS, low color high color, it doesn't matter to me if they were all the same price! What started as a 700-800 dollar a diamond project has gone from 900-1000 to 1200-1300 a diamond! I have the funds to purchase a 1600 or so diamond but it just seems that the budget keeps going up. I guess that's what happens when I get greedy. I've always been such a size ho. And I'm afraid DH still thinks I'm getting a 700 dollar diamond cuz that's the last diamond I talked to him about... Eek!

 

[hoover]

Hi YayTacori
How about a 7 stone ring with 0.5 ct-ers? Maybe make an offer?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...stone/26945891_x9XG6d#!i=2258549846&k=NKgdb7f

I don't know how you feel about the all-at-once or pre-loved... Just a suggestion if you want instant gratification.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Hi YayTacori
How about a 7 stone ring with 0.5 ct-ers? Maybe make an offer?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...stone/26945891_x9XG6d#!i=2258549846&k=NKgdb7f

I don't know how you feel about the all-at-once or pre-loved... Just a suggestion if you want instant gratification.

Oh Hoover Hoover Hoover... It's just so beautiful! I have visited that ring over and over but alas I don't have the funds to make it happen. I have to save for my stupid friend's Hawaii wedding! Haha, good thing she never comes on PS. And it sucks cuz it's only a half size less than I need! And I was a little concerned cuz I don't know the cut of the diamonds.

 

[JulieN]

I worry about you keeping the .58 J, it might make it difficult to find matches, and if it pushes you into the .6 ct range it will be more expensive.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I worry about you keeping the .58 J, it might make it difficult to find matches, and if it pushes you into the .6 ct range it will be more expensive.

This is true JulieN, since then I have decided not to go with JA and have decided to wait for BGD to get in diamonds that match my budget instead of trying to source diamond outside of BGD.

 

[Enerchi]

TOTALLY late to the most recent developments (we were doing house stuff today, so no PS time) and look what I've missed ! YT, I love the 7 stone idea - and I think it would work if you were in the .50 range for the top 5, and then smaller 'Turn the corner stones" for 6&7 on the outsides. but -- -probably you've scrapped it all and gone for a full eternity, right?

No, I'm kidding! I like the concept of building the stones slowly - its like 'hunting and gathering' of cave man days Even tho there could be a slight increase in the cost, but having BGD source out your stones that fit your budget, sounds very practical and logical to me. My congrats for the self control! Kudo's to you!

I love that JbEG ring!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

TOTALLY late to the most recent developments (we were doing house stuff today, so no PS time) and look what I've missed ! YT, I love the 7 stone idea - and I think it would work if you were in the .50 range for the top 5, and then smaller 'Turn the corner stones" for 6&7 on the outsides. but -- -probably you've scrapped it all and gone for a full eternity, right?

No, I'm kidding! I like the concept of building the stones slowly - its like 'hunting and gathering' of cave man days Even tho there could be a slight increase in the cost, but having BGD source out your stones that fit your budget, sounds very practical and logical to me. My congrats for the self control! Kudo's to you!

I love that JbEG ring!

Enerchi! I was wondering where you were! I was starting to get worried! And ahem... Are you calling me a hairy dirty caveman!

 

[Enerchi]

NO!!! you make me laugh!!! "Hunter/Gatherer"... like when men want more golf clubs or fishing gear or cars... whatever! But you/me/PSers, we "hunt & gather" diamonds!!!


Just trying to catch up on the awesomeness I missed today and saw this thread, its a 7 stone asscher band of .15's each in a U setting --- LOOKS AWESOME! I know you are going RB, but just thought I'd throw out a C R Z Y idea... what if you went under .50's and then did go for 7 RB's??? Just a thought --- have a look at this BEAUTIFUL band!! YUM!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-great-way-to-celebrate-7-years-my-7-stone-asscher-band.168022/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-great-way-to-celebrate-7-years-my-7-stone-asscher-band.168022/[/URL]

(and I'm never gone for good.. I will not leave you! )

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

NO!!! you make me laugh!!! "Hunter/Gatherer"... like when men want more golf clubs or fishing gear or cars... whatever! But you/me/PSers, we "hunt & gather" diamonds!!!


Just trying to catch up on the awesomeness I missed today and saw this thread, its a 7 stone asscher band of .15's each in a U setting --- LOOKS AWESOME! I know you are going RB, but just thought I'd throw out a C R Z Y idea... what if you went under .50's and then did go for 7 RB's??? Just a thought --- have a look at this BEAUTIFUL band!! YUM!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-great-way-to-celebrate-7-years-my-7-stone-asscher-band.168022/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-great-way-to-celebrate-7-years-my-7-stone-asscher-band.168022/[/URL]

(and I'm never gone for good.. I will not leave you! )

Oh Enerchi... What are you doing! That ring took my breath away!!! This 5-stone thing is hard and you just made it harder! Rawr Enerchi! Rawr!

 

[Enerchi]

Need I remind you... 1-800-WE-ENABLE, at your service, 24/7!

I saw that and it just took my breathe away! I love both trellis and U prongs - I like to see as much of the diamond as possible and I want light coming it them from all directions! Plus - I like that it would be easier to clean, IMO.

I just thought that if we were going to fantasize a little bit about a 7 stone, that was a beauty to look at--- plus seeing how GORGEOUS that band is, with diamonds that may help you stick within your budget... under .50's are usually more affordable - even if you ARE buying 7 of them!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Need I remind you... 1-800-WE-ENABLE, at your service, 24/7!

I saw that and it just took my breathe away! I love both trellis and U prongs - I like to see as much of the diamond as possible and I want light coming it them from all directions! Plus - I like that it would be easier to clean, IMO.

I just thought that if we were going to fantasize a little bit about a 7 stone, that was a beauty to look at--- plus seeing how GORGEOUS that band is, with diamonds that may help you stick within your budget... under .50's are usually more affordable - even if you ARE buying 7 of them!

But I always thought asschers were more expensive. Do you think it'll look ok if I wear it with my ering? With the baguettes?

 

[Enerchi]

I didn't mean to do an asscher band, that's just what the thread was, but I liked the open setting (U or trellis would achieve that) and the fact that there were 7 stones, if you go that route, but they were all in the .15 range - that just showed AMAZING coverage for smaller ctw stones than what you are looking at.

I think you should still do the RB's as you had planned (not asschers), but I'm just wondering if doing a ring of 7 x .35's or .40's would give you what you are looking for while maintaining your budget.

That's just me rambling about the 7 stone idea vs a 5 stone tho --- if your heart is set on the 5 stone and larger diamonds --- then go with what you are craving. Nothing worse than when someone puts a pin in your balloon, KWIM? I'm not trying to derail your plan, just tossing another idea out there... yanno... more hunting down of diamonds - cuz that is one of our FAVOURITE pastimes on PS!!!

Of the ones you tried on today in the pics, what were the size of those stones? were they about 40's on the 5 stone and 30's on the 7?? They both look perfect on your hand- plenty of finger coverage and VERY blingy!