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DSS...

diamondsR4eVR

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
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Hi All!

I’m going through major DSS...I wish that wasn’t the case but here I am. If anyone can understand its you all.

I’m not thinking of going for a major upgrade and I’m in the very early stages. So no rush.

My question to you is this: I am thinking of going from a 1.02 to 1.30. My current diamond has a bigger spread at around 6.60-6.59 so it faces up close to 1.10 carat. If I jump to a 7mm will I see a difference in size? Or will I need to go bigger than 1.30?
 
Consensus round here seems to be that 0.2mm difference is visible, so those measurements would fit in with that. Don’t forget that DSS might set in again! Maybe wait a bit then go for 1.5ct?
 
Ha, I was typing while @Snowdrop13 posted and saying the same thing, as it turns out.

So, I think you would see a difference but it wouldn't be too dramatic of a difference. Upgrading comes with a lot of costs and DSS continues! Therefore, if it was me, I'd probably wait and go for around 1.5 ct.

ETA: If you don't already know, you could also consider going a little lower in color to get more bang for the buck, and/or a more elongated shape of diamond because they appear larger on the finger than MRB.
 
Ha, I was typing while @Snowdrop13 posted and saying the same thing, as it turns out.

So, I think you would see a difference but it wouldn't be too dramatic of a difference. Upgrading comes with a lot of costs and DSS continues! Therefore, if it was me, I'd probably wait and go for around 1.5 ct.

ETA: If you don't already know, you could also consider going a little lower in color to get more bang for the buck, and/or a more elongated shape of diamond because they appear larger on the finger than MRB.

Thank you both @Snowdrop13 and @seaurchin.

I tried on a 1.50 but my future husband felt it was too big. :roll:
I think he wants nothing like my first ER/marriage. So I’m trying to be cognizant but also can’t hide the fact I have DSS. I think/hope 1.30 7mm will be perfect. I wanted that size in the beginning, but at the time the jeweler didn’t have anything I loved.
 
If that's the size you wanted initially, I say go for it! You will notice the difference. And come back with pics!
 
I think it will be very noticeable. I just put the graphic up on my thread for my size jump so you can see.

I’m sticking with the K right now because I am really getting size for my dollar and I can’t see the tint in 90% scenarios (I have unplated white gold and I think that also helps). Currently, HPD isn’t showing any 1.3s 4s or 5s in a K... next up is a 1.65 and I don’t want to do that jump right now. (As I mentioned in my post, I am paying 3 uni tuitions plus 2 rents oh and one needed a new washing machine).

I’ll do that jump when I get at least one graduated.
 
I have a K too. I am so glad I am not color sensitive. I’d love a G someday but right now I am okay with K.

I would even get a K again. My ACA studs are also Ks.
 
I have a K too. I am so glad I am not color sensitive. I’d love a G someday but right now I am okay with K.

I would even get a K again. My ACA studs are also Ks.

I think I would eventually walk it back to an H, but I would have to see them side by side to see if I even care. The CBIs are so well cut and reflect back so much light with edge to edge, I’m truly not sure there would be much of a difference to justify the price change.
 
I personally don't think a .25 ct size jump will be large enough for the OP.

When I was thinking of upgrading my 1 ct each studs to 1.25 - 1.3 cts each Wink at HPD talked me out of it because he said there wouldn't be a noticeable enough size increase for it to be worth the hassle.

He mailed me a 1.25 ct and a 1.5 ct to compare to my 1 ct for me to decide.

He was right. Yes, when placed side by side I could tell the 1.25 ct was larger, but it so minutely larger that it would have been ridiculous for me to upgrade that little bitty amount.

This wasn't an "up-sale" on Winks part. This was "I'm going to let you see with your own eyes various sizes and you decide what works best for you."

So I'm currently in the process of upgrading with Wink/HPD to around 1.8 cts each. It is the perfect size for me. This is a slow process because it involves me purchasing only one diamond at a time (that's all I can afford at that size.) It means I'll be going for a period of time without my current studs as I wait to purchase the second diamond. But I don't believe in wasting money (settings are expensive), or wasting my time and effort spent on multiple upgrades.

And yes, I put my trust in the HPD team.
 
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I just went through an upgrade process with my stone, its being shipped now. My original engagement ring was about 0.91 carats but it had a nice large spread and looked like a 1 carat.

I always kinds felt it was a bit smaller than I liked. Originally I wanted a 1.3 carats I think that would have been perfect. When I started my upgrade process I started looking around and I tried on different sizes and landed on a 1.5 carat. The difference was more noticeable than the 1.3.

Also DSS will set in I believe, I mean I could have gone for a 2 carat! Lol. And I have petite fingers.

My inkling is if you feel like you might regret it, go bigger. My upgrade was also a one-time deal so I got what I think I would be happy with. Take your time and enjoy the process.
 
I think it depends on how easy upgrading is for you - do you have a good upgrade policy on your current stone? If yes, then you can go for the incremental upgrade. If no, then it may be good to do some further thinking...

Personally, for me, the difference of around 0.4mm is enough to notice the difference but not enough for it to materially impact DSS, so I think you may be better off saving up for an even bigger upgrade (if a bigger stone is what you want) and perhaps resetting your stone into a halo setting in the meantime. I don’t consider the halo setting a waste since you can always reuse the setting with a coloured stone in the future. You should try on stones in the 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 carat range to figure out what size you’d like to be at, you might find that 1.3 is what you want at which go for it!
 
Thanks! I’ve tried on a 1.50 and even owned a large ER in my previous marriage. I love that size, but not something I am considering at the moment.

Sadly, my upgrade will be fully OOP. I don’t want to work with the same jeweler again. Although it was a nice experience I want to work with a preferred vendor here on PS with a generous upgrade policy.
 
Thanks! I’ve tried on a 1.50 and even owned a large ER in my previous marriage. I love that size, but not something I am considering at the moment.

Sadly, my upgrade will be fully OOP. I don’t want to work with the same jeweler again. Although it was a nice experience I want to work with a preferred vendor here on PS with a generous upgrade policy.

In that case I would say Whiteflash seems like a good place for start off! I was stuck with Blue Nile but if I had my way, I would have gone with Whiteflash. And they have a great upgrade policy as well.
 
Ha, I was typing while @Snowdrop13 posted and saying the same thing, as it turns out.

So, I think you would see a difference but it wouldn't be too dramatic of a difference. Upgrading comes with a lot of costs and DSS continues! Therefore, if it was me, I'd probably wait and go for around 1.5 ct.

ETA: If you don't already know, you could also consider going a little lower in color to get more bang for the buck, and/or a more elongated shape of diamond because they appear larger on the finger than MRB.

Agree with first point, but keep in mind that the larger the stone the more prominent the color.
 
I personally don't think a .25 ct size jump will be large enough for the OP.

When I was thinking of upgrading my 1 ct each studs to 1.25 - 1.3 cts each Wink at HPD talked me out of it because he said there wouldn't be a noticeable enough size increase for it to be worth the hassle.

He mailed me a 1.25 ct and a 1.5 ct to compare to my 1 ct for me to decide.

He was right. Yes, when placed side by side I could tell the 1.25 ct was larger, but it so minutely larger that it would have been ridiculous for me to upgrade that little bitty amount.

This wasn't an "up-sale" on Winks part. This was "I'm going to let you see with your own eyes various sizes and you decide what works best for you."

So I'm currently in the process of upgrading with Wink/HPD to around 1.8 cts each. It is the perfect size for me. This is a slow process because it involves me purchasing only one diamond at a time (that's all I can afford at that size.) It means I'll be going for a period of time without my current studs as I wait to purchase the second diamond. But I don't believe in wasting money (settings are expensive), or wasting my time and effort spent on multiple upgrades.

And yes, I put my trust in the HPD team.

I have a question: are you upgrading a diamond a time (instead of buying them both right away) because they’re aren’t enough in HPs inventory? I was going to upgrade my studs (after saving enough for both) in one go by having them custom cut. Thank you for sharing! I really have learnt a lot from the way you curate your jewellery Collection.
 
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I personally don't think a .25 ct size jump will be large enough for the OP.

When I was thinking of upgrading my 1 ct each studs to 1.25 - 1.3 cts each Wink at HPD talked me out of it because he said there wouldn't be a noticeable enough size increase for it to be worth the hassle.

He mailed me a 1.25 ct and a 1.5 ct to compare to my 1 ct for me to decide.

He was right. Yes, when placed side by side I could tell the 1.25 ct was larger, but it so minutely larger that it would have been ridiculous for me to upgrade that little bitty amount.

This wasn't an "up-sale" on Winks part. This was "I'm going to let you see with your own eyes various sizes and you decide what works best for you."

So I'm currently in the process of upgrading with Wink/HPD to around 1.8 cts each. It is the perfect size for me. This is a slow process because it involves me purchasing only one diamond at a time (that's all I can afford at that size.) It means I'll be going for a period of time without my current studs as I wait to purchase the second diamond. But I don't believe in wasting money (settings are expensive), or wasting my time and effort spent on multiple upgrades.

And yes, I put my trust in the HPD team.

If I remember correctly you did a side by side comparison. That was a great visual for me.

I can’t wait to see your new studs. The wait will be worth it.
 
Hi All!

I’m going through major DSS...I wish that wasn’t the case but here I am. If anyone can understand its you all.

I’m not thinking of going for a major upgrade and I’m in the very early stages. So no rush.

My question to you is this: I am thinking of going from a 1.02 to 1.30. My current diamond has a bigger spread at around 6.60-6.59 so it faces up close to 1.10 carat. If I jump to a 7mm will I see a difference in size? Or will I need to go bigger than 1.30?

Another way to put it:would you notice if you went from your 1.02 to a .74? I think the answer is yes. One of my upgrades went from a 2.20 to a 2.52 and I wasn’t convinced the increase was perceptible until I had to choose between a 2.20 and a 2.05 and suddenly—yeah—it was noticeable. Lol
 
Another way to put it:would you notice if you went from your 1.02 to a .74? I think the answer is yes. One of my upgrades went from a 2.20 to a 2.52 and I wasn’t convinced the increase was perceptible until I had to choose between a 2.20 and a 2.05 and suddenly—yeah—it was noticeable. Lol

Good analogy. I think I would notice.
 
I have a K too. I am so glad I am not color sensitive. I’d love a G someday but right now I am okay with K.

I would even get a K again. My ACA studs are also Ks.

I am considering going from an H to an I in my CBI for the sake of a size. I am color sensitive but also color tolerant. People will see the size and sparkle not necessarily the color. Nothing hides color better than a most precise and perfect cut which fire distracts from everything else. I hope you will come back and show us what you decided to get.
 
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I have a question: are you upgrading a diamond a time (instead of buying them both right away) because they’re aren’t enough in HPs inventory? I was going to upgrade my studs (after saving enough for both) in one go by having them custom cut. Thank you for sharing! I really have learnt a lot from the way you curate your jewellery Collection.

Thank you Lessics.

Its not a done deal yet for me. But I can tell you how I'm going about it.

I've tried on studs that are 1.5 cts each (3ctw) and they are just little bit smaller than I'd like. I've tried on 2 cts each (4ctw) and they are slightly larger than I'd like.

The problem is that sizes in between 1.5 and 2 cts are very difficult to find in Super Ideal diamonds.

I'm also very color sensitive and really only want D or E color. This limits availability further.

I already own CBI studs and I don't believe in having more than one of any piece of jewelry, so I will use current studs to trade up.

The things going on in the CBI/HPD company do concern me (I have known about them for several months.) That said I TRUST AND RESPECT the CBI team. They have kept me in the loop of what is happening.

(I will not discuss their business so if anyone has questions they should direct them to Wink.)

I am going to be seeing my upgrade candidate (1.89 ct, E, VS1) in person very soon to determine if it is right for me. When I see it, if it is perfect, I will buy it, trading in both my current studs to do so.

Both HPD/CBI and Whiteflash tell me they can custom cut a mate to this stone down the road when I have saved enough money, probably by the coming spring.

If something where to happen to CBI/HPD in the mean time, which I do NOT think it will, but on the off chance it does, I have WF to fall back on to cut a mate. WF guarantees me they can cut one within 0.1 mm which is an extremely close match.

It does not behoove me to only trade in one of my current studs at a time because:
1) I need the equity in both my current studs to purchase the significantly larger diamond
2) In the extremely remote chance something happens to Wink, I don't want to be stuck with one extra diamond stud I can't upgrade. Every jewelry dollar counts with a tightly curated collection.

Trading them both in now to get one larger diamond takes discipline. I love my current studs and I will miss having studs for the next few months. But it makes the most sense to do it this way.

Discipline in the short term = achieving big goals in the long term.

I hope this is helpful.
 
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I am considering going from an H to an I in my CBI for the sake of a size. I am color sensitive but also color tolerant. People will see the size and sparkle not necessarily the color. Nothing hides color better than a most precise and perfect cut which fire distracts from everything else. I hope you will come back and show us what you decided to get.
I can’t wait to see what you decide on!
 
I find diamdb.com very useful to visualise the size of the diamonds I am contemplating on.

Btw what does DSS stand for?
 
Lol I’m not a halo person but I have thought of two options by keeping current ER:

1) a tiny delicate halo like picture below 492D4D84-BA1B-4F89-B7CC-74AA726BD894.jpeg

2) 3 stone. I have beautiful ACA’s that I wear everyday that I can turn into a 3 stone for more finger coverage.

I upgraded to a three stone to cure my DSS with my 1 ct solitaire. It worked for about 10 years. Then I acquired a 1.66 J/VS in a pave halo setting similar to the one you have pictured. Please note that the halo definitely brings out the color in my J, even with matching J-color pave diamonds.
 
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