Effy white gold diamond ring - any good?

[playerhayter]

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off. I had considered making my own ring by buying the diamond separately, but this seemed like a decent deal so I went for it. Still have 30 days to return it, though.

Stats:

0.50ct T.W. round cut diamond
Colour: HI
Clarity: I1/I2
14K white gold

Link: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/st...-gold-050-ct-diamond-ring-0018-wp0g865dd3--24

Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

I know I1/I2 isn't ideal, but I honestly can't see any inclusions to my (untrained) eye, and it's a nice looking, well cut piece. Does it seem like I'm getting my value, knowing that the diamond isn't necessarily huge or at top clarity?

Cheers.

 

[chrono]

There are a lot of black "pepper" inclusions across the face/table of the diamond. It is less noticeable in that picture due to deliberate angle of the ring in the photograph.

 

[Niel]

I think you could do better for your budget.

 

[marymm]

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off. I had considered making my own ring by buying the diamond separately, but this seemed like a decent deal so I went for it. Still have 30 days to return it, though.

Stats:

0.50ct T.W. round cut diamond
Colour: HI
Clarity: I1/I2
14K white gold

Link: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/st...-gold-050-ct-diamond-ring-0018-wp0g865dd3--24

Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

I know I1/I2 isn't ideal, but I honestly can't see any inclusions to my (untrained) eye, and it's a nice looking, well cut piece. Does it seem like I'm getting my value, knowing that the diamond isn't necessarily huge or at top clarity?

Cheers.

No I don't think you are getting your value for $2K (CAD).
As an example from WhiteFlash, here's a similar basic solitaire setting and an eye-clean H-SI1 ideal-cut diamond - this combo is apx the same $$$ as your effy ring above, but this diamond is ideal-cut and comes with an AGL diamond grading report (plus all the great WF policies including 30-day return and diamond buy-back/upgrade).
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...ffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3144247.htm

 

[msop04]

Here are some that are MUCH better cut, larger, and cleaner.

My pick:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389153 5.44 mm, HCA = 1.4, $1650 USD
(I think this would be eye clean at that size stone, it's the largest of the bunch, and it's also going to be very white at H color)

2nd place:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-400084 5.41 mm, HCA = 1.8, $1600 USD

3rd place:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-400470 5.39 mm, HCA = 2.0, $1700 USD

 

[msop04]

No I don't think you are getting your value for $2K (CAD).
As an example from WhiteFlash, here's a similar basic solitaire setting and an eye-clean H-SI1 ideal-cut diamond - this combo is apx the same $$$ as your effy ring above, but this diamond is ideal-cut and comes with an AGL diamond grading report (plus all the great WF policies including 30-day return and diamond buy-back/upgrade).
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...ffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3144247.htm

I agree with marymm... even with the photography, you can easily see the yellow tint and inclusions...

 

[EvangelineG]

Fellow Canadian here, and I agree that you could find something much better for your money. It is all a question of value- you got what appears to be a deep discount on a diamond of dubious quality (the sample photo does show tint and visible inclusions, if this is the one they have chosen for a sample, I can't imagine the one in hand is better?). Paying $1200 for it is better than paying the reported regular price of $4100 (which would be ridiculous!), but still in the end you have a "great" price on something of lesser quality. A poor value IMHO, no matter the "great" price.

You could get a similar ring in excellent "proud to wear for a lifetime" quality. It would likely cost more than the deeply discounted ring at $1200 CDN, but you could definitely do it for $2000 CDN.

 

[Niel]

if I read correctly, you purchased this for 1230 USD? Right?

If so, then I would suggest these .

Ask if its eye clean, a round
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.45-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-384546
then any of these settings, if Ja is still having their 15% off sale, should put you at about $925? Plus taxes to Canada, should put you around the same as you aid for that Effy one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7990

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

 

[heididdl]

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off. I had considered making my own ring by buying the diamond separately, but this seemed like a decent deal so I went for it. Still have 30 days to return it, though.

Stats:

0.50ct T.W. round cut diamond
Colour: HI
Clarity: I1/I2
14K white gold

Link: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/st...-gold-050-ct-diamond-ring-0018-wp0g865dd3--24

Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

I know I1/I2 isn't ideal, but I honestly can't see any inclusions to my (untrained) eye, and it's a nice looking, well cut piece. Does it seem like I'm getting my value, knowing that the diamond isn't necessarily huge or at top clarity?

Cheers.

NO that's a terrifible deal I.E. here is a Jamesallen .50 1,400 GIA certififed ideal cut H si1 diamond . and I looked for two minutes

 

[ame]

SHEESH, Wow that's pricey for that quality. That brand has been SO HYPED and advertised and I don't get why...

Keep looking.

 

[vintagelover229]

This isn't a round but it's in budget

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/oec-rose-gold-wedding-set-1375-obo

 

[Niel]

This is round and in budget.
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/0-dot-40ct-old-european-cut-oec-14kt-yellow-gold-diamond-ring

 

[msop04]

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off.Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

Oops! I thought OP was considering a diamond in the $2K CAD range... now I see he is looking in the $1200ish range. Sorry!

 

[maccers]

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off.Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

Oops! I thought OP was considering a diamond in the $2K CAD range... now I see he is looking in the $1200ish range. Sorry!

Unfortunately, the exchange for Canadians is awful right now. 1230 CAD is 1050 USD.
Eta: I see op stated that already

 

[playerhayter]

Here are some that are MUCH better cut, larger, and cleaner.

My pick:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389153 5.44 mm, HCA = 1.4, $1650 USD
(I think this would be eye clean at that size stone, it's the largest of the bunch, and it's also going to be very white at H color)

2nd place:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-400084 5.41 mm, HCA = 1.8, $1600 USD

3rd place:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-400470 5.39 mm, HCA = 2.0, $1700 USD

Those look great but out of my budget. At $1200 (~$1400 inc tax) I'd say I'm at my limit. I'd actually be happy with a ~$1000+ tax ring. So I suppose at that price, you're saying I'd be better off with a smaller carrot size? My fiance-to-be isn't much of a diamond buff, so I feel would be happier with a 0.5 in terms of size however a better quality diamond at that size is a bit unaffordable for me.

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off.Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

Oops! I thought OP was considering a diamond in the $2K CAD range... now I see he is looking in the $1200ish range. Sorry!

Yep, $1200 ($1400 tax in) is the top of my budget really. Still think I can do better, though?

Hi, first post here and apologies if I'm in the wrong place / doing the wrong thing.

I just bought this diamond engagement ring for $1230 CAD ($1057 USD) +tax from The Bay (Toronto), on sale at 70% off. I had considered making my own ring by buying the diamond separately, but this seemed like a decent deal so I went for it. Still have 30 days to return it, though.

Stats:

0.50ct T.W. round cut diamond
Colour: HI
Clarity: I1/I2
14K white gold

Link: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/st...-gold-050-ct-diamond-ring-0018-wp0g865dd3--24

Currently on "sale" for $2026.50 (CAD) but original price is $4125 - if it ever sells for that, I don't know.

I know I1/I2 isn't ideal, but I honestly can't see any inclusions to my (untrained) eye, and it's a nice looking, well cut piece. Does it seem like I'm getting my value, knowing that the diamond isn't necessarily huge or at top clarity?

Cheers.

NO that's a terrifible deal I.E. here is a Jamesallen .50 1,400 GIA certififed ideal cut H si1 diamond . and I looked for two minutes

I did some looking on James Allen already - a 0.5 crt like that, plus a gold setting, shipping, duty etc would cost me well over $2000 CDN. Not in my budget

Fellow Canadian here, and I agree that you could find something much better for your money. It is all a question of value- you got what appears to be a deep discount on a diamond of dubious quality (the sample photo does show tint and visible inclusions, if this is the one they have chosen for a sample, I can't imagine the one in hand is better?). Paying $1200 for it is better than paying the reported regular price of $4100 (which would be ridiculous!), but still in the end you have a "great" price on something of lesser quality. A poor value IMHO, no matter the "great" price.

You could get a similar ring in excellent "proud to wear for a lifetime" quality. It would likely cost more than the deeply discounted ring at $1200 CDN, but you could definitely do it for $2000 CDN.

Yeah, I just don't think $2k is in my budget. $1200+ tax is really at the top of end of things, and I was hoping for a solitaire ring with a decent size (i.e. 0.5 crt) diamond. I'm getting the sense that at that tight budget, I can't expect much quality from a diamond. I guess I'm fine with that, I just don't want to feel I'm getting a bad deal at this price.

Again, still have 30 days to do a complete return, so the shopping doesn't have to be over yet.

If any Canadians have some good concrete recommendations for a better diamond ring around $1200+tax CDN, I'm all ears!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I just checked Blue Nile Canada.

I set parameters for H-J color, SI1-2 clarity, ideal cut, between .44 to .50 ctw . There were several stones in the .44-46 ctw, (aka app. $800 Canadian and up) but hitting the half carat mark will put you above your budget.

Have a peek. PS I love The Bay but would not buy a diamond ring from them.

cheers--Sharon

 

[swingirl]

if I read correctly, you purchased this for 1230 USD? Right?

If so, then I would suggest these .

Ask if its eye clean, a round
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.45-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-384546
then any of these settings, if Ja is still having their 15% off sale, should put you at about $925? Plus taxes to Canada, should put you around the same as you aid for that Effy one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7990

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

This combination of setting and stone will keep you within your budget.

 

[Niel]

This one has a good chance of being eye clean. and nice proportions

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD05245791

 

[playerhayter]

Any Canadians have experience with ordering from Blue Nile or John Allens, duty costs etc? I tried searching these forums for similar posts but came up short.

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone, this is great.

 

[Niel]

Go to James Allen and scroll down to the bottom. In the right corner is a calculator for Canadian tax

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

You live in ON, correct? Costs associated might include:

1) US/CAN dollar conversion if from JA. Blue Nile/CANADA is priced in CAD$, so that is helpful

2) Outside of Canada, GST and PST on the US conversion rate. Inside of Canada the taxes still apply as any CAN purchase. I live in AB so I have only ever paid GST, since we do not have an additional Provincial tax.

3) shipping costs. Buying online, you'd pay that regardless unless that is included in the price.

cheers--Sharon

 

[EvangelineG]

Great advice for going just under a half carat to stay within your budget, and the good news is that a well cut slightly smaller diamond will actually appear the same or even larger than a poorly cut .50!

Just like Canuk Gal said, it is exchange, taxes and shipping that will be added to your final price. No duty to worry about.

 

[AprilBaby]

Lots of great advice! Return the EFFY asap!

 

[playerhayter]

if I read correctly, you purchased this for 1230 USD? Right?

If so, then I would suggest these .

Ask if its eye clean, a round
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.45-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-384546
then any of these settings, if Ja is still having their 15% off sale, should put you at about $925? Plus taxes to Canada, should put you around the same as you aid for that Effy one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7990

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

This combination of setting and stone will keep you within your budget.

Very seriously considering this diamond and four-prong setting. Looks like it'll be around $1150 inc. tax and shipping to Ontario, with the 15% off coupon? Unless the 15% only applies to the setting ring, then I'm looking at around $1250.

Overall, nicer deal for a slightly smaller diamond that, as you all say, will look nicer than this Effy one. I'll def return it.

many thanks!

 

[Niel]

if I read correctly, you purchased this for 1230 USD? Right?

If so, then I would suggest these .

Ask if its eye clean, a round
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.45-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-384546
then any of these settings, if Ja is still having their 15% off sale, should put you at about $925? Plus taxes to Canada, should put you around the same as you aid for that Effy one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7990

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

This combination of setting and stone will keep you within your budget.

Very seriously considering this diamond and four-prong setting. Looks like it'll be around $1150 inc. tax and shipping to Ontario, with the 15% off coupon? Unless the 15% only applies to the setting ring, then I'm looking at around $1250.

Overall, nicer deal for a slightly smaller diamond that, as you all say, will look nicer than this Effy one. I'll def return it.

many thanks!

The 15% apples to the setting.

 

[AprilBaby]

I'm sure you will be much happier!