Engagement Ring Recommendations

[qerat88]

I purchased by wife’s engagement ring based on some great recommendations from folks on this forum 5+ years ago. Now it’s my brother-in-laws turn.
Wondering if anyone can help point me in the right direction to help him out.

He’s looking for a ring with following specs:

Size: 5
Setting: 18k gold whisper thin hidden halo

Diamond details:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

I’m not sure what his price range is. Does it make more sense to get the diamond and then have the ring made separately? I’m and not as familiar with where to find a ring with a hidden halo. I’m open to suggestions and feedback. Thanks in advance!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Yes, he would definitely want to start with the diamond. He wouldn’t want to have a ring made and then try to find a diamond with the correct size parameters.

Since you don’t list a price range, this diamond starts at the top of the color, clarity and size range. Let us know if this is in the ballpark or if we need to adjust modifiers.

Diamond | 2.06 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4494801

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.06 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4494801

www.whiteflash.com

 

[qerat88]

Thanks! That makes sense. I’ll ask him what his budget is, my guess is <$10k. Is the feasible?

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks! That makes sense. I’ll ask him what his budget is, my guess is <$10k. Is the feasible?

Less than 10k for the diamond only? Or ring and diamond?

 

[lovedogs]

Also, has the person receiving the ring seen J/K/L color stones? I love warmth, but many folks don't. His budget will be tricky for the size he wants, and definitely won't get him a whiter stone. But if his gf is looking for "white", a K/L stone won't be that

 

[lovedogs]

Examples

I love this stone and the champagne color, but it isn't going to be "white" in real life:

1.91 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.91 carat K color si1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

Anything that says "slight brown" will have a brown tinge in real life. Nicely cut, but many folks don't want brown:

2.21 Carat round diamond

This 2.21 carat round diamond L color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I personally adore evrtything about this, but will be faint brown which the receiver might not like:

1.74 Carat round diamond

This 1.74 carat round diamond L color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Very well cut, less brown and more light yellow:

1.75 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.75 carat K color si1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

Cut is best of the best and has $1 upgrade policy, but slightly over budget and also won't be "white"

Diamond | 1.81 ct K VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4462538

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.81 carat K color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4462538

www.whiteflash.com

 

[qerat88]

Less than 10k for the diamond only? Or ring and diamond?

The ring and the diamond.

 

[qerat88]

Also, has the person receiving the ring seen J/K/L color stones? I love warmth, but many folks don't. His budget will be tricky for the size he wants, and definitely won't get him a whiter stone. But if his gf is looking for "white", a K/L stone won't be that

Thanks for the input. He’s willing to adjust as recommended. He hasn’t seen those color stones. He’s looking for something that will appear big and shiny. Maybe lower carat size and clarity and J and above. Don’t think his girlfriend will want an overtly colored stone.

 

[elizat]

I purchased by wife’s engagement ring based on some great recommendations from folks on this forum 5+ years ago. Now it’s my brother-in-laws turn.
Wondering if anyone can help point me in the right direction to help him out.

He’s looking for a ring with following specs:

Size: 5
Setting: 18k gold whisper thin hidden halo

Diamond details:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

I’m not sure what his price range is. Does it make more sense to get the diamond and then have the ring made separately? I’m and not as familiar with where to find a ring with a hidden halo. I’m open to suggestions and feedback. Thanks in advance!

She wants this setting.

Whisper Thin®

The Whisper Thin® Engagement Ring is our most popular style because it allows your diamond to take center stage. This modern solitaire features the thinnest band on the market that's safe to wear daily. Complete rings start at $8,000 and can be customized with your preferred diamond shape, carat...

ringconcierge.com

It's much too thin in my view for daily wear and this vendor will not set an outside stone. You need to be sure she's willing to have a similar setting, that is more durable, as a starting point. One good wack and the diamond head is detached. It's also so so so thin and will bend.

 

[qerat88]

Examples

I love this stone and the champagne color, but it isn't going to be "white" in real life:

1.91 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.91 carat K color si1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

Anything that says "slight brown" will have a brown tinge in real life. Nicely cut, but many folks don't want brown:

2.21 Carat round diamond

This 2.21 carat round diamond L color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I personally adore evrtything about this, but will be faint brown which the receiver might not like:

1.74 Carat round diamond

This 1.74 carat round diamond L color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Very well cut, less brown and more light yellow:

1.75 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.75 carat K color si1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

Cut is best of the best and has $1 upgrade policy, but slightly over budget and also won't be "white"

Diamond | 1.81 ct K VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4462538

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.81 carat K color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4462538

www.whiteflash.com

Appreciate the suggestions. Do you have any suggestions if he looks closer to 1.4 to 1.6 carat, and goes a little higher in the color?

 

[qerat88]

She wants this setting.

Whisper Thin®

The Whisper Thin® Engagement Ring is our most popular style because it allows your diamond to take center stage. This modern solitaire features the thinnest band on the market that's safe to wear daily. Complete rings start at $8,000 and can be customized with your preferred diamond shape, carat...

ringconcierge.com

It's much too thin in my view for daily wear and this vendor will not set an outside stone. You need to be sure she's willing to have a similar setting, that is more durable, as a starting point. One good wack and the diamond head is detached. It's also so so so thin and will bend.

Good to know. I’ll pass on the feedback. Thank you! Also, if that ring is $2-3k itself, sounds like he will definitely need to cut back on diamond size to make it work within budget.

 

[DejaWiz]

Good to know. I’ll pass on the feedback. Thank you! Also, if that ring is $2-3k itself, sounds like he will definitely need to cut back on diamond size to make it work within budget.

I know times are tough right now with the state of the economy and our dollars don't go as far as they used to even a few years ago, so please also suggest that they visit some of their local jewelers and get a side by side blind taste test of NGD and LGD. If they're not open to LGD, then so be it. Totally fine that they approach this with the realization and expectation that cutting back on diamond size may be required to stick within budget.

 

[MissGotRocks]

There is this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...olor-vs2-clarity-round-ideal-cut-sku-a4460725

Again, look at the wire price. Leaves some room for a setting.

 

[qerat88]

I know times are tough right now with the state of the economy and our dollars don't go as far as they used to even a few years ago, so please also suggest that they visit some of their local jewelers and get a side by side blind taste test of NGD and LGD. If they're not open to LGD, then so be it. Totally fine that they approach this with the realization and expectation that cutting back on diamond size may be required to stick within budget.

Thank you, I’ll let him know to go to a store and check it out.

 

[qerat88]

There is this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...olor-vs2-clarity-round-ideal-cut-sku-a4460725

Again, look at the wire price. Leaves some room for a setting.

Thank you for the recommendation! I’m going to touch base with him and hone in on expectations and budget this evening. That looks like a great option!

 

[lovedogs]

She wants this setting.

Whisper Thin®

The Whisper Thin® Engagement Ring is our most popular style because it allows your diamond to take center stage. This modern solitaire features the thinnest band on the market that's safe to wear daily. Complete rings start at $8,000 and can be customized with your preferred diamond shape, carat...

ringconcierge.com

It's much too thin in my view for daily wear and this vendor will not set an outside stone. You need to be sure she's willing to have a similar setting, that is more durable, as a starting point. One good wack and the diamond head is detached. It's also so so so thin and will bend.

Agree completely. This is not a good idea for a setting, despite their marketing

 

[qerat88]

So I spoke to my brother-in-law. He agreed to back off the plan for the Whisper thin halo. Focus now is just a nice solitaire diamond. Goal to keep total cost with a yellow gold band under $10k. He said he’s okay with J,K,L colors and that they tried them out.

Specs remain the same:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

Can y’all help provide some more diamond suggestions?

 

[lovedogs]

So I spoke to my brother-in-law. He agreed to back off the plan for the Whisper thin halo. Focus now is just a nice solitaire diamond. Goal to keep total cost with a yellow gold band under $10k. He said he’s okay with J,K,L colors and that they tried them out.

Specs remain the same:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

Can y’all help provide some more diamond suggestions?

Take a look at the ones I posted above from james Allen, and how big you can get from whiteflash

 

[DejaWiz]

So I spoke to my brother-in-law. He agreed to back off the plan for the Whisper thin halo. Focus now is just a nice solitaire diamond. Goal to keep total cost with a yellow gold band under $10k. He said he’s okay with J,K,L colors and that they tried them out.

Specs remain the same:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

Can y’all help provide some more diamond suggestions?

These are some possible candidates that I found on a rather quick search...some are slightly over stated budget, but may be worth considering...they may also be listed at other sellers (DreamStone, Adiamor, Frank Darling, etc) at varying prices, so it may be worth it to do some digging. Without ASET and/or Ideal-Scope images, it will be impossible to get 100% assurance on any of them.

1.77 Carat Round Diamond GIA 6435533343 | Ritani

1.77 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut K Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #6435533343

www.ritani.com

1.80 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1447962977 | Ritani

1.8 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1447962977

www.ritani.com

2.03 Carat Round Diamond GIA 3475156369 | Ritani

2.03 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut K Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #3475156369

www.ritani.com

2.25 Carat Round Diamond D-I2U7F2WV7Z | Ritani

2.25 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut L Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report lab GIA

www.ritani.com

 

[qerat88]

Thanks for recommendations. He has narrowed down to the following 2 options. Any thoughts? Any alternate suggestions you think are better? Thanks in advance for your help!

1.96 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1467392743 | Ritani

1.96 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color SI1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1467392743

www.ritani.com

2.03 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1449968331 | Ritani

2.03 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color SI1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1449968331

www.ritani.com

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks for recommendations. He has narrowed down to the following 2 options. Any thoughts? Any alternate suggestions you think are better? Thanks in advance for your help!

1.96 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1467392743 | Ritani

1.96 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color SI1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1467392743

www.ritani.com

2.03 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1449968331 | Ritani

2.03 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color SI1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1449968331

www.ritani.com

Neither... proportions and optics are off.
If this one is in the budget, I strongly suggest that it be considered:

1.80 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1447962977 | Ritani

1.8 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1447962977

www.ritani.com

 

[lovedogs]

Neither... proportions and optics are off.
If this one is in the budget, I strongly suggest that it be considered:

1.80 Carat Round Diamond GIA 1447962977 | Ritani

1.8 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut J Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #1447962977

www.ritani.com

Agreed

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

You have some wonderful advice from DejaWiz and Lovedogs… if she needs north of a 1.5ct, I would go with the 1.8.

If she would love a 1.5 just as much, I would go with an A Cut Above diamond from Whiteflash. Their diamonds are absolutely gorgeous and should she ever want to upgrade its super easy.

 

[qerat88]

Someone had suggested this one earlier, much more reasonable price and has the specs he was looking for. Thoughts?

2.21 Carat round diamond

This 2.21 carat round diamond L color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[elizat]

L is going to be visibility tinted. It's not going to look white. I like warmer colors in antique stones but for a modern round, I would not pick it unless the intended has seen multiple stones that color. That photo looks particularly tinted. There can be a big difference between a J and an L- and usually is. A J may save money but I would be very sure she's okay with the color of an L. It's also a faint brown L. It's a very particular stone for a certain buyer.

 

[DejaWiz]

L is going to be visibility tinted. It's not going to look white. I like warmer colors in antique stones but for a modern round, I would not pick it unless the intended has seen multiple stones that color. That photo looks particularly tinted. There can be a big difference between a J and an L- and usually is. A J may save money but I would be very sure she's okay with the color of an L. It's also a faint brown L. It's a very particular stone for a certain buyer.

To me, there's a much bigger problem:

 

[Divan94]

So I spoke to my brother-in-law. He agreed to back off the plan for the Whisper thin halo. Focus now is just a nice solitaire diamond. Goal to keep total cost with a yellow gold band under $10k. He said he’s okay with J,K,L colors and that they tried them out.

Specs remain the same:
Cut: round
Carat: 1.8-2
Color: J,K,L
Clarity VS2, SI2

Can y’all help provide some more diamond suggestions?

Hello everyone on this thread. I’m the brother and law that is buying the engagement ring!

I still have quite found what I’m looking for. I’m looking for 1.9-2.0 karat ring. SI1 or VS2. Color: J, K preferably but L also works. I’m looking to keep the price of the diamond under 9 thousand dollars if possible. Can you please send any suggestions. I’m looking to get this done by September 15th. Thank you so much in advance. I also have a jeweler that is bringing in three stones for me. And I plan on sharing the GIA report with you all to see your thoughts.

Look forward to hearing from you.

More options and recommendations the better for me!

 

[Divan94]

Hello everyone on this thread. I’m the brother and law that is buying the engagement ring!

I still have quite found what I’m looking for. I’m looking for 1.9-2.0 karat ring. SI1 or VS2. Color: J, K preferably but L also works. I’m looking to keep the price of the diamond under 9 thousand dollars if possible. Can you please send any suggestions. I’m looking to get this done by September 15th. Thank you so much in advance. I also have a jeweler that is bringing in three stones for me. And I plan on sharing the GIA report with you all to see your thoughts.

Look forward to hearing from you.

More options and recommendations the better for me!

 

[Divan94]

Hello everyone on this thread. I’m the brother and law that is buying the engagement ring!

I still have quite found what I’m looking for. I’m looking for 1.9-2.0 karat ring. SI1 or VS2. Color: J, K preferably but L also works. I’m looking to keep the price of the diamond under 9 thousand dollars if possible. Can you please send any suggestions. I’m looking to get this done by September 15th. Thank you so much in advance. I also have a jeweler that is bringing in three stones for me. And I plan on sharing the GIA report with you all to see your thoughts.

Look forward to hearing from you.

More options and recommendations the better for me!

Also, looking for a round diamond!

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Also, looking for a round diamond!

Modern or old cut?