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Engagement Ring Challenge!

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John2point0

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 9, 2017
Messages
14
Hello experts! After dating my girlfriend for 10 years through highschool, college, and a couple years after, this girl needs a ring on her finger! And I want to give her the best I can possibly give. Being a meticulous researcher I've read a few articles on diamond buying but ultimately know that the people on this forum, who have passion and experience, may well be the best resource out there.

I'm looking at spending at or under 10k (but if I have to go up I would) on the diamond and keeping the setting very simple to max out the size/quality of the diamond, so around 12k for the whole thing (correct me if I'm off). From what I've seen that may not be enough to hit the 2 karat mark but id like to be as close to it as possible while staying within the normal limits for what is recommended on cut color and clarity. I also know she wants a classic round cut diamond. I also know that size and then clarity will be the most important factors to her. She mostly just wants it to look as big as possible but I understand that the other factors are perhaps equally important so I'll trust your judgment on what can be sacrificed and what cannot for a larger looking diamond.

As far as vendors go I'm open to anything but i do really like James Allen because I can see the diamond so clearly and they seem to have good customer service and warranty/ return policies. I'm open to buying the diamond and setting separate or together. Just give me your best recommendation!

This is my challenge to you internet! You've never let me down before, please help me find the perfect diamond / ring for this amazing girl deserves! I can't wait to marry her! :) - john
 
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Have you checked out rarecarat.com? They're a great source for finding a good deal. If you're willing to go down to J/K color, you can definitely find 2 carats, and probably even closer to 2.5 (e.g. this one is 3 carats; this one is 2.5). I've had good experiences with James Allen, but have found incredible deals at Yadav.
 
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Hi John, please completely ignore the above recommendation... 10K will not get you an ideal cut 2ct stone, but we can certainly try to get you as close as possible to it. Do you know if your gf is color sensitive or if a lower colored stone would be alright?
For example, dropping down to a J color (which in my opinion is perfectly fine especially in a solitaire) would get you a 1.5ct Ideal cut diamond: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3823435.htm
Or, if you want to go with a bit safer option color-wise, this 1.402/I is an excellent choice as well: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826688.htm
Any higher color will go down in carat at your price range. WF provides a great upgrade policy, so if you know that you eventually may want to get to the 2ct mark, their upgrade policy will be unmatched at JA or elsewhere.
 
I agree with SimoneDi... $10K won't get a 2 carat, but you can get close. I'd go with a lovely 6 prong solitaire. How exciting!!
 
I have also never heard of the store mentioned (rare C). You absolutely cannot get a 2 carat quality diamond for 10k: more like 24k and up. Very poor advice from a new poster.
 
SimoneDi said:
Hi John, please completely ignore the above recommendation... 10K will not get you an ideal cut 2ct stone, but we can certainly try to get you as close as possible to it. Do you know if your gf is color sensitive or if a lower colored stone would be alright?
For example, dropping down to a J color (which in my opinion is perfectly fine especially in a solitaire) would get you a 1.5ct Ideal cut diamond: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3823435.htm
Or, if you want to go with a bit safer option color-wise, this 1.402/I is an excellent choice as well: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826688.htm
Any higher color will go down in carat at your price range. WF provides a great upgrade policy, so if you know that you eventually may want to get to the 2ct mark, their upgrade policy will be unmatched at JA or elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much Simone! I figured that recommendation was a little outlandish from what I've been seeing. As far as color goes I just want it to look completely white on her finger and in pictures. My girlfriend can be a bit ocd so if it is noticeably not entirely white I know it will bother her a little. That being said I can't see how often she'll be holding it right up to another diamond for comparison so I think if it looks great on its own that should be perfectly fine. I'm fairly sure she wants a gold band as well which I read is a good match. What do you think?
 
F/G color will be a good place to start.

BTW, DH and I dated 9.5 years before marriage (also HS sweethearts). We have been married for 22 years next month!
 
E B said:
I'd ask for an IS image on this, but it looks very promising:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2707463

With this setting (or something like it), you'd be at ~$11900.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-basket-knife-edge-engagement-ring-item-41132
Click to expand...
E B said:
I'd ask for an IS image on this, but it looks very promising:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2707463

With this setting (or something like it), you'd be at ~$11900.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-basket-knife-edge-engagement-ring-item-41132
Click to expand...

Wow! Yeah that does look nice. Definitely requesting the IS image (after I look up what that is). Thank you!
 
msop04 said:
I agree with SimoneDi... $10K won't get a 2 carat, but you can get close. I'd go with a lovely 6 prong solitaire. How exciting!!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm really exited haha My girlfriend always finds out when I plan surprises for her so I've literally told no one except in this post!
 
John2point0 said:
Thanks so much Simone! I figured that recommendation was a little outlandish from what I've been seeing. As far as color goes I just want it to look completely white on her finger and in pictures. My girlfriend can be a bit ocd so if it is noticeably not entirely white I know it will bother her a little. That being said I can't see how often she'll be holding it right up to another diamond for comparison so I think if it looks great on its own that should be perfectly fine. I'm fairly sure she wants a gold band as well which I read is a good match. What do you think?
Click to expand...

Well, when we talk about diamonds especially in the H-J range.. they are white, they are not yellow, more so a different shade of white. I have a G color pendant, my original e-ring was an H that appeared very white to me and my current diamond is a J. I found that I can really tolerate color over size. I would definitely stick with the H-J range for you, especially if you will be placing the diamond in a yellow/rose gold setting. I bet that she would notice the size more than the color of the diamond. Warmer colors compliment the warmer shades of gold quite well. I would say that if you want to be on the safe side, go with I and higher, although I do love the diamond that E B recommended!
 
whitewave said:
F/G color will be a good place to start.

BTW, DH and I dated 9.5 years before marriage (also HS sweethearts). We have been married for 22 years next month!
Click to expand...

Good to hear! We definitely feel like we get some sideways glances for having dated so long and not being married but I think we've both been wanting it for a while now and we are finally in a perfect position in our careers, living situation, education, ect. I can't wait for those next 22 years lol
 
John2point0 said:
Thanks so much Simone! I figured that recommendation was a little outlandish from what I've been seeing. As far as color goes I just want it to look completely white on her finger and in pictures. My girlfriend can be a bit ocd so if it is noticeably not entirely white I know it will bother her a little. That being said I can't see how often she'll be holding it right up to another diamond for comparison so I think if it looks great on its own that should be perfectly fine. I'm fairly sure she wants a gold band as well which I read is a good match. What do you think?
Click to expand...
As you do more reading on here, you'll find that most diamonds up to I or J (sometimes even lower) look white when examined directly from the top. But, when looking at it at an angle, that's when you'll see the yellowish tint. Would that bother her? If so, you'll want to do as suggested above and stay at G or above for color.

And if you put it in a yellow gold solitaire, ask for platinum prongs to keep the diamond looking as white as possible :)
 
If she's color sensitive, then I'd stay with H and above... if not, then an I will be white. I have a 3.33 ct I and it's white (avatar)... even from the side. I do believe it's a "high" I though...
 
Thanks everyone who's replied so far. I'll be sure to let everyone know what I finally settle on. Feel free to add more suggestions/advice it is all very helpful!
 
A-Cakes said:
Have you checked out rarecarat.com? They're a great source for finding a good deal. If you're willing to go down to J/K color, you can definitely find 2 carats, and probably even closer to 2.5 (e.g. this one is 3 carats; this one is 2.5). I've had good experiences with James Allen, but have found incredible deals at Yadav.
Click to expand...
nuts.gif
 
John2point0 said:
Thanks everyone who's replied so far. I'll be sure to let everyone know what I finally settle on. Feel free to add more suggestions/advice it is all very helpful!
Click to expand...
IMO, A safe bet would be a well cut G-H/VS2 combo.
 
John2point0 said:
Wow! Yeah that does look nice. Definitely requesting the IS image (after I look up what that is). Thank you!
Click to expand...

IS image is Idealscope image. Here is a great starting point:
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope
About color sensitivity - have you and your girlfriend looked at a diamonds together - possibly comparing a GIA G and then later an I or J (not necessarily side-by-side)? It may help to test her sensitivity to color.

Also, remember that a truly well-cut diamond can face-up whiter and brighter due to efficient light return than others stones. One of the reasons diamond color is graded by the labs in the table-down position is to keep "cut-bias" from influencing the color grade. For many customers, therefore, a well-cut I or J, with a great IS image (we like ASET images even more) is their "sweet spot."
 
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