Engagement ring/diamond opinions and help needed!

[Sledneck27]

Hello everybody, I''m beyond thankful that I found this website before I bought anything. I typically research purchases at ridiculous lengths and this website, especially the HCA, have been extremely helpfull in seeing that some of the diamonds that I thought were going to be perfect, were not exactly the best I could get. Well, I think I''ve found the perfect combination for my girlfriend and I just want a little bit of reassurance. Ok, my girlfriend has pretty small hands, and her ring size is a 4.75. So, I want to get her a decent size stone, but she doesnt want any thing thats going to look too big. We both think that a .50 to .75 carat weight is just about right, with .75 pushing it. We also dont want to get her a ring with a very high setting at all. Since I''m getting a smaller stone, I want to go a little bit higher on the quality than you can find in the B&M stores, so I''m looking at buying; D,E,F; VS2+; Ideal+; and right around a .60 carat. Well, I''ve narrowed my choices down to what I feel will be a very nice set, and heres the diamond I found, it costs about $1900. Also, I''m definately shopping online, as I''ve not found a single B&M that comes close on price. I''d like to keep my total(setting, band, diamond) budget around 4k.

Diamond: 0.60ct Round Brilliant Diamond

Grading Lab: GIA
Measurement: 5.39 - 5.37 x 3.34
Cut: Signature Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Depth%: 62.1%
Table%: 57%
Crown Angle: 35.5 degrees
Pavilion Angle: 40.6 degrees
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Thick(faceted)
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Clarity Characteristics: Feather

Now, this diamond I passed on before because it doesnt spec very high compared to the other diamonds I was looking at, BUT!!! When I found the HCA, and ran it through, this thing scored a 1.4, and the best that any other diamond I was looking at did was a 2.0. The only concern I have about this diamond is the girdle thickness. I wish it were just a little bit thinner. But it might be a blessing, if I understand it correctly, a thicker girdle means that the diamond will look smaller in diameter than the same ct. weight with a thinner girdle. Ok now, here''s something I''m making a big assumption on, that extra weight on a thicker girdle diamond, should raise the diamond total depth, possibly helping it sit lower in its setting? Which happens to be something we both really want anyways. Or, are these numbers so miniscule that it really wont make much difference at all? So, what do you guys think of the stone? and is my reasoning on the girdle thickness way off base?

 

[belle]

hey sled

welcome to ps!

Date: 7/11/2007 8:20:05 PM
Author:Sledneck27
Hello everybody, I'm beyond thankful that I found this website before I bought anything.

yay! we are too!

it's much better to hear these kind of introductions. unfortunately we do get a lot of 'i found this site too late' kind of stories. yours is much better so far.

I typically research purchases at ridiculous lengths and this website, especially the HCA, have been extremely helpfull in seeing that some of the diamonds that I thought were going to be perfect, were not exactly the best I could get.

that's what the information is here for!

Well, I think I've found the perfect combination for my girlfriend and I just want a little bit of reassurance. Ok, my girlfriend has pretty small hands, and her ring size is a 4.75. So, I want to get her a decent size stone, but she doesnt want any thing thats going to look too big. We both think that a .50 to .75 carat weight is just about right, with .75 pushing it. We also dont want to get her a ring with a very high setting at all.

i think that is a great size. especially in a well cut round

a higher setting emphasizes the diamond and can make it *seem* bigger but it does so at the risk of the diamond itself. higher settings inevitably get knocked around more, so a low setting is much safer. mine is quite low and i love it, so i will definitely agree on the lower setting idea.

Since I'm getting a smaller stone, I want to go a little bit higher on the quality than you can find in the B&M stores, so I'm looking at buying; D,E,F; VS2+; Ideal+; and right around a .60 carat.

you don't have to get high color and clarity to get better quality than b&m stores. just getting a great cut alone is going to make your diamond stand out.
S P A R K L E S

Well, I've narrowed my choices down to what I feel will be a very nice set, and heres the diamond I found, it costs about $1900. Also, I'm definately shopping online, as I've not found a single B&M that comes close on price. I'd like to keep my total(setting, band, diamond) budget around 4k.

Diamond: 0.60ct Round Brilliant Diamond

Grading Lab: GIA
Measurement: 5.39 - 5.37 x 3.34
Cut: Signature Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Depth%: 62.1%
Table%: 57%
Crown Angle: 35.5 degrees
Pavilion Angle: 40.6 degrees
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Thick(faceted)
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Clarity Characteristics: Feather

Now, this diamond I passed on before because it doesnt spec very high compared to the other diamonds I was looking at, BUT!!! When I found the HCA, and ran it through, this thing scored a 1.4, and the best that any other diamond I was looking at did was a 2.0.

it's not too bad. give this search http://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx a try and see if there is something in your range. don't limit the color and clarity too much...keep your options open!

The only concern I have about this diamond is the girdle thickness. I wish it were just a little bit thinner. But it might be a blessing, if I understand it correctly, a thicker girdle means that the diamond will look smaller in diameter than the same ct. weight with a thinner girdle. Ok now, here's something I'm making a big assumption on, that extra weight on a thicker girdle diamond, should raise the diamond total depth, possibly helping it sit lower in its setting? Which happens to be something we both really want anyways.

a thick girdle generally (very generally!) is not usually a first choice because you do loose some visual weight that you are paying for but it is not a total disaster either. i'm not sure i'd go so far as to calling a blessing... no actuallly, i'm sure i wouldn't! but again, it's not a disaster.

more depth and thicker girdle are just going to elongate the diamond. you want to be able to see more of the diamond from the top, instead of having it all hang down below. don't worry, the setting choice is going to have a much greater impact on how low the diamond sits, so focus on that.

So, what do you guys think of the stone?

i think you should look at a few more options and then make a decision. options are always good.

and is my reasoning on the girdle thickness way off base?

yeah...kinda...pretty much. yes.

 

[Sledneck27]

Date: 7/11/2007 8:48:07 PM
Author: belle
hey sled

welcome to ps!

Date: 7/11/2007 8:20:05 PM
Author:Sledneck27
Hello everybody, I''m beyond thankful that I found this website before I bought anything.

yay! we are too!

it''s much better to hear these kind of introductions. unfortunately we do get a lot of ''i found this site too late'' kind of stories. yours is much better so far.

I typically research purchases at ridiculous lengths and this website, especially the HCA, have been extremely helpfull in seeing that some of the diamonds that I thought were going to be perfect, were not exactly the best I could get.

that''s what the information is here for!

Well, I think I''ve found the perfect combination for my girlfriend and I just want a little bit of reassurance. Ok, my girlfriend has pretty small hands, and her ring size is a 4.75. So, I want to get her a decent size stone, but she doesnt want any thing thats going to look too big. We both think that a .50 to .75 carat weight is just about right, with .75 pushing it. We also dont want to get her a ring with a very high setting at all.

i think that is a great size. especially in a well cut round

a higher setting emphasizes the diamond and can make it *seem* bigger but it does so at the risk of the diamond itself. higher settings inevitably get knocked around more, so a low setting is much safer. mine is quite low and i love it, so i will definitely agree on the lower setting idea.

Since I''m getting a smaller stone, I want to go a little bit higher on the quality than you can find in the B&M stores, so I''m looking at buying; D,E,F; VS2+; Ideal+; and right around a .60 carat.

you don''t have to get high color and clarity to get better quality than b&m stores. just getting a great cut alone is going to make your diamond stand out.
S P A R K L E S

Well, I''ve narrowed my choices down to what I feel will be a very nice set, and heres the diamond I found, it costs about $1900. Also, I''m definately shopping online, as I''ve not found a single B&M that comes close on price. I''d like to keep my total(setting, band, diamond) budget around 4k.

Diamond: 0.60ct Round Brilliant Diamond

Grading Lab: GIA
Measurement: 5.39 - 5.37 x 3.34
Cut: Signature Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Depth%: 62.1%
Table%: 57%
Crown Angle: 35.5 degrees
Pavilion Angle: 40.6 degrees
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Thick(faceted)
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Clarity Characteristics: Feather

Now, this diamond I passed on before because it doesnt spec very high compared to the other diamonds I was looking at, BUT!!! When I found the HCA, and ran it through, this thing scored a 1.4, and the best that any other diamond I was looking at did was a 2.0.

it''s not too bad. give this search http://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx a try and see if there is something in your range. don''t limit the color and clarity too much...keep your options open!

The only concern I have about this diamond is the girdle thickness. I wish it were just a little bit thinner. But it might be a blessing, if I understand it correctly, a thicker girdle means that the diamond will look smaller in diameter than the same ct. weight with a thinner girdle. Ok now, here''s something I''m making a big assumption on, that extra weight on a thicker girdle diamond, should raise the diamond total depth, possibly helping it sit lower in its setting? Which happens to be something we both really want anyways.

a thick girdle generally (very generally!) is not usually a first choice because you do loose some visual weight that you are paying for but it is not a total disaster either. i''m not sure i''d go so far as to calling a blessing... no actuallly, i''m sure i wouldn''t! but again, it''s not a disaster.

more depth and thicker girdle are just going to elongate the diamond. you want to be able to see more of the diamond from the top, instead of having it all hang down below. don''t worry, the setting choice is going to have a much greater impact on how low the diamond sits, so focus on that.

So, what do you guys think of the stone?

i think you should look at a few more options and then make a decision. options are always good.

and is my reasoning on the girdle thickness way off base?

yeah...kinda...pretty much. yes.

Wow!!! How did I ever miss that Diamond search tool? I guess I was having too much fun with the HCA! So, generally it''s better to just stay between Thin to Slightly Thick on the Girdle then I guess, will do. I''ve already found some fabulous diamonds on that search engine, I mean, really perfect diamonds, what a great tool. Heres a question, the setting and band I feel is absolutely perfect is located at Diamonds on the Web, heres a link, Pave Emerald & Round Diamond Set, how exactly will it work to get the diamond at one e-store and the rings at another? If I have the rings custom made to fit the design I like, how much more does that cost over just getting them at the original place I found them? So many questions!!! So eager to buy!!!!

 

[belle]

Date: 7/11/2007 9:38:07 PM
Author: Sledneck27
Wow!!! How did I ever miss that Diamond search tool?

shhhh...it''s a secret....only for those with cool usernames.

So, generally it''s better to just stay between Thin to Slightly Thick on the Girdle then I guess, will do. I''ve already found some fabulous diamonds on that search engine, I mean, really perfect diamonds, what a great tool.

sweet!

glad you found it helpful.

Heres a question, the setting and band I feel is absolutely perfect is located at Diamonds on the Web, heres a link, Pave Emerald & Round Diamond Set, how exactly will it work to get the diamond at one e-store and the rings at another?

i just answered the setting question here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-get-my-loose-diamond-set.65349/ hopefully that will give you a good lead.

If I have the rings custom made to fit the design I like, how much more does that cost over just getting them at the original place I found them?

it really depends. generally, custom is going to be more expensive than stock settings, so if the design is exactly what you want, you might be better off going with the original. of course, if you have any concerns about the craftsmanship or quality, it may be worth going custom and you will also have the advantage of making the piece uniquely yours.

So many questions!!! So eager to buy!!!!

keep on ''a asking! that''s what we''re here for.

your enthusiasm is really contagious! i am so excited for you!

 

[jstarfireb]

I'd stay away from that one just because the thick girdle is wasted weight, and since the diamond won't be huge to begin with, you want to get as big spread as possible for the carat weight. Stick with thin to medium or medium to slightly thick girdles.

Also, it looks like that diamond is from Blue Nile (the "signature ideal" is a giveaway!)...not a problem if you don't want an upgrade policy, but you may not realize now how useful a lifetime upgrade policy can be! I'd check the tried and true sources, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, and James Allen.

You can definitely drop the color and clarity to get a bigger diamond at a similar price! And even though she has small fingers and doesn't "need" a gigantic stone, she'll be pleasantly surprised by something a little larger than what she expected. H/SI1 is thought by many to be the best bang for your buck if it's eye-clean.

You can get a great ideal cut 0.75ct diamond for about $2500-3000, leaving you $1000-1500 for a nice platinum setting (see my favorite here). Here are some nice examples (make sure the SI1s are eye-clean):
0.73 H SI1
0.768 G SI1
0.768 F SI1
0.70 H VS2

If you don't want to go that large, here's a beautiful 0.61 for a very reasonable price:
0.61 I SI1

There are many more great rocks out there! Take a look at Whiteflash and Good Old Gold. They give tons of info about each stone, in contrast to Blue Nile (no pictures, Ideal Scope, Sarin, ASET, etc...)

 

[Sledneck27]

Date: 7/11/2007 9:48:36 PM
Author: belle
Your enthusiasm is really contagious! i am so excited for you!

Thank you for all your help so far!

Date: 7/11/2007 9:51:43 PM
Author: jstarfireb
I''d stay away from that one just because the thick girdle is wasted weight, and since the diamond won''t be huge to begin with, you want to get as big spread as possible for the carat weight. Stick with thin to medium or medium to slightly thick girdles.

Also, it looks like that diamond is from Blue Nile (the ''signature ideal'' is a giveaway!)...not a problem if you don''t want an upgrade policy, but you may not realize now how useful a lifetime upgrade policy can be! I''d check the tried and true sources, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, and James Allen.

You can definitely drop the color and clarity to get a bigger diamond at a similar price! And even though she has small fingers and doesn''t ''need'' a gigantic stone, she''ll be pleasantly surprised by something a little larger than what she expected. H/SI1 is thought by many to be the best bang for your buck if it''s eye-clean.

You can get a great ideal cut 0.75ct diamond for about $2500-3000, leaving you $1000-1500 for a nice platinum setting (see my favorite here). Here are some nice examples (make sure the SI1s are eye-clean):
0.73 H SI1
0.768 G SI1
0.768 F SI1
0.70 H VS2

If you don''t want to go that large, here''s a beautiful 0.61 for a very reasonable price:
0.61 I SI1

There are many more great rocks out there! Take a look at Whiteflash and Good Old Gold. They give tons of info about each stone, in contrast to Blue Nile (no pictures, Ideal Scope, Sarin, ASET, etc...)

Actually, the diamond is from "Diamonds on the Web", they have the Signature Ideal rating as well. I looked at Blue Nile, but it seemed there were better prices available. Thank you for the suggestions, but my girlfriends firngers are pretty small, 4.75 ring size, and we would much rather go with a higher quality diamond smaller in size, I was originally looking .50 to .75., with .75 really pushing what would comfortably fit her hand. I have been looking at around the .60 size, as it seems to offer very high quality with great prices in the range I want. I was planning to get the best stone possible at this size range(I''m thinking .55-.65), for a price of $2000-2500. So far, I''m very impressed with James Allen''s prices and selection.
One thing on the diamond search engine on PS I''m finding a little odd, I cant find any diamonds in the .60-.69 range that offer the quality I''m looking for, regardless of price? Whatever, plenty of other choices available I guess!

How do you guys feel these rate?

0.57 Carat E-VS1 Ideal 1.2 HCA rating $2110
0.57 Carat E-VS1 Ideal 1.2 HCA rating $2000
0.57 Carat F-VS1 Ideal 0.8 HCA rating $1910
0.57 Carat E-VS1 H&A Ideal 1.4 HCA rating $2080

Here''s a few more from James Allen, I dont know why they dont show up on the PS search engine, they appear to be great stones and are some of my favorites so far!
0.60 Carat E-VS1 H&A Ideal 1.1 HCA rating $2330
0.62 Carat F-VS1 H&A Ideal 1.3 HCA rating $2300
0.60 Carat F-VS1 H&A Ideal 1.0 HCA rating $2220 (probably my overall favorite at this point)

I''m finding it very amazing that I havent really came across a single substandard diamond on the JA site so far, not that I''m going out of my way looking for them, but the lower quality stones are just not standing out like on other websites. I''m going to email JA about the setting/band I want, hopefully I''ll order tommorrow!!!! Wow, thank you so much to the creator of this website and everyone involved in making it what it is, at this point, I''m beyond confident that I''m going to get a phenominal diamond at a great price.

 

[Sledneck27]

Ok, I got the email back from JA, and they dont have anything similar to the band that I want from DOTW. They did say that they can set the diamond in another setting if I choose one from a different store, thats probably what I''ll end up doing. So, heres the setting and band I want, and I think I''m gonna go ahead and get this diamond,

0.60 Carat F-VS1 H&A Ideal 1.0 HCA rating $2220

any last opinions on this stone, or any of the others I posted, before I buy? Thanks again you guys! Oh yeah, heres a pic of the setting and band, what do you think?

Setting
Band

 

[Sledneck27]

Oh yeah, I forgot, I wanted to bring something up again. The "search by cut" function on this website only lists 1 diamond in the .6-.69 range, yesterday it didnt list any at all? Yet when I did a seach on JA myelf, I found some absolutely fabulous diamonds in this range that had great prices. Does anyone know what determines what diamonds show up or not in the search engine? I assumed it searched all diamonds on all websites affiliated with PS.

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 7/12/2007 1:47:55 AM
Author: Sledneck27
Actually, the diamond is from ''Diamonds on the Web'', they have the Signature Ideal rating as well. I looked at Blue Nile, but it seemed there were better prices available. Thank you for the suggestions, but my girlfriends firngers are pretty small, 4.75 ring size, and we would much rather go with a higher quality diamond smaller in size, I was originally looking .50 to .75., with .75 really pushing what would comfortably fit her hand. I have been looking at around the .60 size, as it seems to offer very high quality with great prices in the range I want. I was planning to get the best stone possible at this size range(I''m thinking .55-.65), for a price of $2000-2500. So far, I''m very impressed with James Allen''s prices and selection.

Oops, I thought only Blue Nile had the "signature ideal" designation!

I think 0.5-0.75 is certainly reasonable for that finger size...but watch out for diamond shrinkage syndrome! You and she may regret not going larger when the syndrome sets in! Trust me...I thought I would be the same way, but DSS has already started to set in with my 1ct princess ("but 1ct looks sooooo big on my hand"...then "hmm, I wish I would have utilized the higher end of your budget to get a bigger stone, honey!") There are lots of people with fingers smaller than your girlfriend''s who are upgrading to 1, 2, 3, even more carats these days. So my feeling is why not go a tiny bit higher now...you have the budget to go toward the higher end of that size range with certain color/clarity combos, and I really think she''ll appreciate it.

And remember, color and clarity are NOT synonymous with quality! I can tell you already know that cut is king. A well-cut eye-clean H/SI1 will look identical to an F/VS1 through the naked eye. The ACAs I posted from WF are really top of the line in terms of cut, and the ES stones are very close. In no way would quality be sacrificed if you bought one of those! However, going for higher color and clarity as a "mind clean" thing is a very different issue...if F/VS1 is the lowest you want to go in order to be satisfied with your purchase, then go with it...but most of us will try to convince you otherwise!

At any rate, I''d recommend going with a vendor that has an upgrade policy. You never know when you might need it, even if you think you''ll never want to upgrade because of sentimental value. James Allen is a great site (there are "substandard" diamonds on it, but you''re weeding them out by looking at Ideal/H&A cut grades, which is great)...BUT their upgrade policy leaves a lot to be desired. I believe it''s only for 5 years (WF and GOG have lifetime policies), and you don''t get the full 100% value back for stones that weren''t in house and had to be called in.

Anyway, the diamond you chose from JA looks fantastic (even though I still think you should go bigger and get it from a place with a decent upgrade policy)! I don''t love the setting, but that''s just my personal tastes. It''s what your gf likes that matters!

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

First, what height do you guys consider to be a good height? I chose 7mm to get the condition I will list below, which I think is pushing the boundaries of height. You think a 7mm will be pretty comfortable to live with? or it will be noticeably uncomfortable to have on everyday?

*Ah well, I have read it now and I think you are making a great decision to go with James Allen. I just purchased a .61ct EVS2 H&A there for 2040 (of course it was VS2 not VS1 so it was cheaper) and they were very accommodating and treated me with tremendous respect. There service has been impeccable. In fact I ordered my setting elsewhere and sent it to them. Here was another way they excelled, when I asked knox jewelers if they set my diamond they could raise the diamond about 1mm so that the culet would be around flush with top of the taper of my setting. They told me no, that is too much to expect from a 400 dollar ring (note: 475 uninsured if they set it) and that it sounded like a custom job. Then I talked to the guys down at JA and they were more than willing to oblige me saying it will be no problem to get it in that range, I ended up buying the platinum crown from them and having them solder it on and set it for me at a very reasonable price with better service! great choice to go with them. You will be happy. Hopefully my gf (with 5.75 fingers) will feel the same about the diamond size as you do. She said not too big, but not too small. I hope it looks that way on her somewhat larger finger!

I just looked more at your diamond. It was actually one of the ones I was checking out before I decided to do the VS2. Nice choice!

I will leave my original post up just for fun:

I haven't read everything but I wanted to get this out there as soon as possible and reread and see if I made a mistake. But if this is BN or anyone else signature ideal will not have a thick girdle.


that being said, when I was shopping at blue nile I found out that there website has a mistake. When you search for a diamond and you click on it it gives you the specs in a BN summary report. But their computations for girdle thickness are often incorrect, though not frequently with GIA reports. very frequently with AGS reports. I pointed out about 15 stones for them that were incorrect, they fixed them but never solved the overall problem. They were getting a bit irritated I believe by my emails so I let it go, but it was a shame to see that error that should have been so easily fixed. I even hooked them up with an AGS lab representative that could have told them how the girdle measurements changed in 2005, which by the way thanks JQ for explaining in an old thread, but they just didn't seem to be willing to get on the boat. I haven't checked in a few weeks though, so maybe they have fixed it and this isn't blue nile sig ideal in question. off to read!

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

Date: 7/13/2007 12:44:46 AM
Author: WorkingHardforSmallRewards


I just looked more at your diamond. It was actually one of the ones I was checking out before I decided to do the VS2. Nice choice!

I think , at least it is very very similar

 

[happilyeverafter]

... but my girlfriends firngers are pretty small, 4.75 ring size, and we would much rather go with a higher quality diamond smaller in size, I was originally looking .50 to .75., with .75 really pushing what would comfortably fit her hand.

This shows how very different people''s perceptions can be! I have a size 4.75 finger too and I was going to get a 1.25 carat diamond, but thought that was on the small side and definitely would have gone bigger if the budget allowed!

0.60 is a good size, but just so the suggestion is out there, maybe she says smaller is better so that you won''t feel obligated to spend more money? Just a thought, I hope I didn''t offend.

 

[belle]

the diamond you choose looks like a beauty sled! you done good.

you''re making this look waaaay too easy though. are you sure you sure you don''t want to second guess yourself awhile longer?

seriously, very nice pick!

please, please post pics when you get it!

 

[belle]

Date: 7/12/2007 11:21:14 PM
Author: Sledneck27
Oh yeah, I forgot, I wanted to bring something up again. The ''search by cut'' function on this website only lists 1 diamond in the .6-.69 range, yesterday it didnt list any at all? Yet when I did a seach on JA myelf, I found some absolutely fabulous diamonds in this range that had great prices. Does anyone know what determines what diamonds show up or not in the search engine? I assumed it searched all diamonds on all websites affiliated with PS.

i think that for the cut quality search, vendors are responsible for listing their diamonds as opposed to the regular search, where all diamonds are automatically listed. so, it is probably harder for vendors to keep up with getting all of their inventory on there, since it moves so quickly.
that is just my assumption and should not be regarded as fact though.

glad you were able to find a great diamond regardless!

 

[Jenn5504]

I would personally drop color and clarity a bit, steer clear of thick girdles and go with a company with an upgrade policy. But that is just my personal opinion.

I have a size 4.75 finger, too. And my 1.59ct RB solitaire is already shrinking.

I think your GF could pull off a .75 no problem. My old stone was a 1.52 princess cut in a high setting and it seemed bigger actually---because of the higher setting----but I''m glad this one is lower, I don''t knock it on things nearly as much.

What setting and band are you considering? I''d love to see!

 

[JulieN]

WHFSM-The way AGS and GIA measures girdles is different.

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

Date: 7/13/2007 4:55:53 PM
Author: JulieN
WHFSM-The way AGS and GIA measures girdles is different.

I know, AGS changed in 2005

 

[Sledneck27]

MUAHAHAHA!!!! The diamond is mine!!!! I ordered the Diamond just a few hours ago, I got it for 2150($70 PS discount), thanks again Pricescope!!!!!! Wow, lots of replys and I dont even know where to begin. Sorry, I''m probably not going to be able to answer everyones questions. I''ll start with the setting though, I''m ditching it, and going with something else. JA said that they likely wouldnt feel comfortable trying to set my stone in that setting, so, I''m just having them ship the stone to me and I''ll get it set locally. We have a jewelry store that carrys all kinds of rings from many "high end" designers, Tacori, Jeff Cooper, etc... as well as many from some unknowns as well, a very large selection right in house. Well, they have a design I really like from Luminar Creations, heres a link to a good picture of the ring, Ladies 8 Stone Round Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring . The website lists it as 14k, the one in the store is 18k, and they want $1180 for it. They have an 18k band that really matches nicely as well, for $850, heres a link to what it looks like, Ladies Round Channel Set Domed Diamond Wedding Band. Ok, answering questions..... All right, as far as upgrade policy, this really isnt too important. My GF and I think just about exactly alike, seriously, its wierd. Well, this ring will likely never be upgraded as I''m certain both her and I would want to keep the ring exactly the way it was the day I gave it to her. Kinda wierd I guess. A great example of this line of thought would be a classic muscle car for instance. She loves cars just as much as I do, specifically classic cars, and both of us given the choice would take a 100 point original Shelby GT350 that looks identical to the way it did in 1965, over one thats been modified with a bigger engine for instance. Hopefully I''m not freaking you guys out yet!!! Anyways, I have no problems getting her a larger diamond should she want one some day, I''ll just buy her a whole ring to go along with it. As far as the setting height, I never discussed actual dimensions with a jeweler, so, I dont know, we''ve just been eyeballing what looks and feels good, and I''m confident that I''ve got a handle on it. So, whats everyone think of the "new" setting I''ve picked out?

 

[belle]

wooooohoooooo!
congrats sled!

you''re gonna be sooo happy with that rock! well done, you.
i think finding a setting locally is a great idea. you can be much assured about the final design and quality that way. i am confident that you will be able to find a setting similar, if not exactly like what you are looking at.
again, please come back and post pics if you get a chance. we love hearing happy endings and seeing pics!

btw....100% original shelby ALL THE WAY

 

[Sledneck27]

Date: 7/13/2007 8:46:01 PM
Author: belle
wooooohoooooo!
congrats sled!

you''re gonna be sooo happy with that rock! well done, you.
i think finding a setting locally is a great idea. you can be much assured about the final design and quality that way. i am confident that you will be able to find a setting similar, if not exactly like what you are looking at.
again, please come back and post pics if you get a chance. we love hearing happy endings and seeing pics!

btw....100% original shelby ALL THE WAY

Thank you. I''m starting to find even more settings that are really nice. Solomon Brothers has a massive database of different styles from many different ring makers thats helped me narrow down my choices. So far, I find myself leaning toward some of the Jeff Coopers, heres some of the rings I''ve found that I''m considering, all in 18k.

Jeff Cooper R3101/B
Jeff Cooper R3102/B
Jeff Cooper R3107/B
Jeff Cooper R2976/B

I''ve got some more to list, but no time right now. I''ll have to list them tommorrow, thanks again everyone.

 

[Sledneck27]

Ok, heres two more that I found that I kind of like as well.

Parade Designs Ladies 34 Stone Round Pave (.24cttw) and 16 Channel Set Baguette (.35cttw) Diamond Engagement Ring
S. E. S. Ladies Channel Set Round (.35cttw) and Baguette (.34cttw) Diamond Engagement Ring

So far my favorite is the Jeff Cooper R3101. Any other opinions would be appreciated!! Thank you everyone!

 

[spartan183]

My favorite is R3107. It looks very elegant.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/13/2007 8:46:01 PM
Author: belle
wooooohoooooo!
congrats sled!

you''re gonna be sooo happy with that rock! well done, you.
i think finding a setting locally is a great idea. you can be much assured about the final design and quality that way. i am confident that you will be able to find a setting similar, if not exactly like what you are looking at.
again, please come back and post pics if you get a chance. we love hearing happy endings and seeing pics!

btw....100% original shelby ALL THE WAY

Ditto, congrats! can''t wait to see pics

 

[shimmer]

I like the R3101 a lot too, it seems to ''flow'' in just the right way! I am really excited now to see this ring! Great job, sled.

 

[spicyoctopusroll]

Wow, I have been searching for a forum like this since I started researching and learning about engagement rings in March (actually started learning about diamonds prior to that when I got her a 1ct diamond tennis bracelet.)

This guy asked almost the same questions and expressed the same enthusiasm and relief of finding this site as I feel. I also have narrowed my search down to diamonds on the web. In fact I had a setting chosen as well as a nice diamond - approx 1ct for a total of just under 3000. The person from DOW emailed me and stated they needed to discuss my purchase. I had already sent in the credit card information and selected their money down and 6 month payment option.

As a little background, she wants a marquis cut, argh, trying to find the right one of those has been a pain. She mentioned white gold, which she loves, and really only wanted a simple ring - a solitaire. WHen we were playing around awhile back and I showed her some rings with sides stones and such, she felt they were great but too expensive. So Ihave been on a mission to find one that didnt break the bank. DOW does offer a five year upgrade, and a return no questions asked 30 day with no hidden agenda. I also knew, and have read here, that color and clarity arent the end all be all some make it out to be. I usually select d-i and vvs to SI2 which leaves me with a good amount of selections. Now I know many have expressed that it may look too big or the lady is saying she really doesnt care, when, well she does, but really that is not the case here. She would be happy with anything, a great woman to be sure! Problem, is me, I am not satisfied with just anything. So I will keep searching until I find it, funny thing is, and she nor does her family really know anything, I am sure they expect I will propose one day, but not sure when, lol, her mom stated today, it will prbably be ten years, joking, before I do.

On with the questions and story. Ah,yes, the lady from DOW I spoke with, I selected an EGL cert. told me that EGL standards are not as high as GIA and they do not carry the other, ASG I believe. I had selected an EGL that fit the parameters I was looking for a S3 and a color H. She even went on to tell me, that the S3 would almost be an I for GIA but the color should be fine. I believe the cut was excellent. Additionally she mentioned there would be a culet, which I knew fluor I wanted to keep none, but didnt really think much of the culet. She told me the culet shows a small hole in the bottom and suggested I select a few diamonds and add them to my cart and she would evaluate them for me. I am still in this process, which is how I ended up here. I will show you the setting and the diamond I like most, so far, and would appreciate your opinions, I know nothing about settings and this diamond does have a medium to faceted girdle, so this forum and search has me wondering about this.

Additionally, I know that uncertified diamonds are essentially the same as the certified diamonds with so much less in cost. You are paying for certification. My GF and I do not intend to sell the ring. And it is and should always be just a symbol of my unending love for her. But I do want it to shine and exemplify the beauty I see in her. She also says she had gone for a cleaning on her bracelet I got her, and tried some marquis cut 1CT and it looked too big on her finger, so she was thinking around .5. I just cant go that small, just doesnt feel right to me, so I am looking at quality diamonds around .73 or 3/4 along with the .5ct setting, will bring the total to around 1.2ct and stay within the budget of under 3000.

Any insight into the following I chose would be helpful.

The dIamond

GIA Graded & Inscribed
0.73ct Marquise Diamond

Free Gift Packaging
30 -Day Money Back
DoW Appraisal


Grading Lab: GIA
Measurement: 8.68 - 4.64 x 3.10
Carat weight: 0.73
Cut*: Excellent
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
L/W Ratio: 1.87
Depth%: 66.8%
Table%: 60%
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Good
Girdle: Medium to Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Comment: Dossier
*Cut grade has been determined by experienced Diamonds on Web gemologists based on current market standards
GIA Inscribed diamond:
For your protection and peace of mind, this diamond is laser inscribed with its GIA certificate number on the girdle.

Free Next day Shipping
Free Appraisal
2% OFF your diamond when your
payment is made by bank wire
50% OFF 14K white gold, 14K yellow
gold comfort-fit solitaire setting.
30 Day Returns
Free Gift Packaging

The setting (the link includes the matching band) doesnt have the option of seeing it with the marquis cut on this one:

http://www.diamondsonweb.com/shopping/zoompic.mhtml?setid=231&metal=&shape=

Here is the setting alone with an option to view with the stone:

http://www.diamondsonweb.com/shopping/zoompic.mhtml?id=3353&shape=

the details of the setting are

2 Round Brilliant Diamonds
Color: between G and H
Clarity: between SI1 and SI2
Total carats: aprox 0.35ct
10 Round Brilliant Diamonds
Color: between G and H
Clarity: between SI1 and SI2
Total carats: aprox 0.10ct

 

[Siamese Kitty]

Can''t wait to see the final product Sledneck!

Spicy- Welcome to Pricescope!

In order to get the help you need, you should probably cut and paste your whole post into a new thread in Rocky Talky-it''s too confusing to post in someone else''s thread and you''ll definitely get more response that way.

 

[spicyoctopusroll]

Ya, I was thinking the same thing, I just didnt want to lose my train of thought, LOL. I was looking at diamonds, and had a question about girdle, and it brought me to this thread, wish I had that question a long time ago. I do plan on reposting as well. Thanks!

 

[Sledneck27]

Date: 7/16/2007 12:50:00 AM
Author: spicyoctopusroll
Ya, I was thinking the same thing, I just didnt want to lose my train of thought, LOL. I was looking at diamonds, and had a question about girdle, and it brought me to this thread, wish I had that question a long time ago. I do plan on reposting as well. Thanks!

Man, I dont know anything about the Marquise cuts, I''ve been exclusively searching for Round Brilliants. I wish you good luck though! I would definately take a look at some of the websites affiliated with Pricescope just for "balance". I originally had everything I needed picked out from DOTW, then I found this forum and realized just how many other great options there were, I ended up going with James Allen instead.





Everyone else, thank you! I''ll definately get pictures up as soon as the finished product is in my hands.

 

[Sledneck27]

Ok, I just went to my local jeweler and checked on prices for the Jeff Cooper. The 3101/B combo retails at $4075, and I can get it for $3000. Sound good to you guys? It does to me, as soon as I get my stone I''m gonna take it down and get the bands on order!

 

[jstarfireb]

LOL, I love the muscle car analogy. I understand how you both feel about upgrades. I chose to leave room for the possibility, but my fiance is a sentimental value kind of guy and would be really upset if I decided to upgrade! He''d get over it, though.

As for settings, I like those Jeff Cooper settings SO much better than your original one! The only one I don''t really like is this one, the one with both rounds and baguettes in the shank (not a Jeff Cooper anyway). I think my favorite is the R3107, but the R3101 really isn''t bad at all. I think the Parade Designs ring would be a great alternative to the R3101...I don''t know about you, but I couldn''t justify buying a setting that''s so much more expensive than the stone.