Feeling Overwhelmed choosing engagement Ring, (UK) Need Advice

[dk168]

Would you be open to getting the stone from BN and the ring made elsewhere? Paging @dk168 for the name of her jeweler in the UK - you can get the stone shipped to a jeweler and they will make the ring and send it to you. That way you get the best of both worlds - beautiful stone and beautiful setting.

The bench I used for my bangle bracelet project was Simon Wright based in London.

I met him in person and handed my stone to him, as I did not fancy shipping a 1.94ct MRB in the post!

DK

 

[RockFox]

From the UK here. Check out 77 Diamonds and Quality Diamonds for online - you can book to visit both too to see setting styles. I have purchased from both companies and they were lovely to deal with. Most online vendors do not hold stock of the actual diamonds you are looking at (as I am sure you know) they will call them in for you once a payment is made. Both these companies have excellent return policies.

I can also recommend Bespoke Goldsmith for custom settings. Simon there is wonderful.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

From the UK here. Check out 77 Diamonds and Quality Diamonds for online - you can book to visit both too to see setting styles. I have purchased from both companies and they were lovely to deal with. Most online vendors do not hold stock of the actual diamonds you are looking at (as I am sure you know) they will call them in for you once a payment is made. Both these companies have excellent return policies.

I can also recommend Bespoke Goldsmith for custom settings. Simon there is wonderful.

Hey thanks for the post I appreciate it.
I did look at Quality Diamonds and even get a slight discount there through work. The only thing that put me off is the cuts are very good as standard and you can pay to upgrade to excellent cut where they quoted me an extra £120ish but I don’t think I actually get to see or pick the stone they use which makes me feel like it ends up as pot luck. However if I can be confident that they’ll pick an excellent stone then I’m very much open to it.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

So is it worth going to somewhere like JamesAllen where they have some scope images to verify it would be a good diamond? I will have to pay duties and VAT separately but I can factor this in.

Is it worth buying into the Astor (BN) or Hearts (JA) range?

I saw the below on ha in the hearts range with the scope imagery. Is this overpriced as it’s in a branded range?

0.72 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 0.72 carat E color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

why do they hide the certificates and then on request hide the GIA number?

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

So is it worth going to somewhere like JamesAllen where they have some scope images to verify it would be a good diamond? I will have to pay duties and VAT separately but I can factor this in.

Is it worth buying into the Astor (BN) or Hearts (JA) range?

I saw the below on ha in the hearts range with the scope imagery. Is this overpriced as it’s in a branded range?

0.72 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 0.72 carat E color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

why do they hide the certificates and then on request hide the GIA number?

It is a good idea to have ASET, Idealscope and Hearts & Arrow images etc. to help you assess light return and symmetry of the diamond. If you are considering a premium for BN's Astor or JA's True Hearts and is comfortable with getting the diamond online from the US, you might as well buy it from the signature lines of superideal vendor like Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds. Whiteflash has an excellent upgrade policy too, always good to have just in case.

Whiteflash
0.744 ct E VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond

Diamond | 0.744 ct E VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4419243

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.744 carat E color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4419243

www.whiteflash.com

0.77 ct F SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond

Diamond | 0.770 ct F SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4419245

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.770 carat F color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4419245

www.whiteflash.com

0.805 ct G VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond

Diamond | 0.805 ct G VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4396516

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.805 carat G color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4396516

www.whiteflash.com

Brian Gavin Diamonds
0.791 G VS1 Signature Round

0.791 G VS1 Signature Round

Buy diamonds online - AGS graded 0.791 carat G VS1 Round super ideal cut Black By Brian Gavin Diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

0.708 F VS1 Signature Round

0.708 F VS1 Signature Round

Buy diamonds online - AGS graded 0.708 carat F VS1 Round super ideal cut Black By Brian Gavin Diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

There is a tax & duties estimate calculator on JA that you might find useful (it also lets you choose if it is for a loose diamond or diamond ring):

Duties & Tax Calculator | JamesAllen.com

Ready to buy your dream engagement ring? Use our duty and taxes calculator to help you understand how much Duty and VAT you’ll incur with your purchase.

www.jamesallen.com

 

[DejaWiz]

So is it worth going to somewhere like JamesAllen where they have some scope images to verify it would be a good diamond? I will have to pay duties and VAT separately but I can factor this in.

Is it worth buying into the Astor (BN) or Hearts (JA) range?

I saw the below on ha in the hearts range with the scope imagery. Is this overpriced as it’s in a branded range?

0.72 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 0.72 carat E color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

why do they hide the certificates and then on request hide the GIA number?

That one has some light leakage (white ring under the table):



Here is a search link that I set up with JA to include only AGS Ideal diamonds which greatly reduces the effort required to find a diamond with amazing light performance since the AGS Ideal/Triple Zero cut criteria is better than around 60% of GIA 3X:

All Diamonds - Magnified in 360° HD | JamesAllen.com

James Allen offers a wide selection of GIA, IGI and AGS certified conflict-free loose diamonds, all viewable in 360° HD. Take the guesswork out of buying a diamond.

www.jamesallen.com

Here are some Whiteflash diamonds for you to look at, compare, and consider:

Diamond | 0.832 ct F VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4410593

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.832 carat F color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4410593

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.842 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4383165

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.842 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4383165

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.847 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4358233

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.847 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4358233

www.whiteflash.com

And two of the nicest "Expert Selection" diamonds I've seen in their inventory...these also qualify for their generous upgrade program and are probably the best bang for the buck out of all of these.

Diamond | 0.868 ct G IF Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4422517

This fabulous 0.868 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of IF and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4422517

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.818 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405757

This fabulous 0.818 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4405757

www.whiteflash.com

I kept the search to G color or better for the above options, but here are some results from expanding the search to H-J color options:

Diamond | 0.902 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4361092

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.902 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4361092

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.095 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4314000

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.095 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4314000

www.whiteflash.com

This one appears to face up extremely white, and poses a heck of a great value for a guaranteed super ideal cut diamond!

Diamond | 0.901 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4337904

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.901 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4337904

www.whiteflash.com

 

[WDWDiamond]

@DejaWiz that .868 G IF ES is Do you have any idea why that would of missed ACA designation? (Asking for learning purposes.)

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

If you prefer to buy in the UK, I've seen some old threads on PS talking about Durham Rose, jeweler who can apparently access CBI diamonds (these are beautiful and really special).

CBI Diamonds - Durham Rose

durhamrose.com

Inserting some posts from one of those old threads here on Durham Rose, UK buying from US, CBI diamonds that you might find useful:

CBI diamonds are available in the UK. It may be worth sending an email to see if they have anything in your budget and ct size/colour grade/clarity. I agree that F and VS is a good idea to get a larger stone.

https://www.diamondhousejewellery.com/diamonds/infinity/1/

https://www.durhamrose.com/crafted-by-infinity/

this thread is recent and could be of interest to you:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cbi-diamonds-which-of-these-are-the-best-option.243095/


Also WINK discusses certain clarity issues in the plots which could be useful

Since many of us are Americans here, I just wanted to take your original budget (shown in pounds) and put the Euro & USD conversions for reference. FYI, conversions are based on the date/time of this post and upon Google conversions. Actual conversion rate will vary based on actual date & bank utilized.

• Pounds: £3,808
• Euros: €4,360
• USD: $4,987

According to the JA tax & duty calculator, it looks like it costs about 20.22% to import a loose diamond into the UK. For a completed piece (stone + setting) then this jumps up to about 23.30%.

https://www.jamesallen.com/tax-calculator/

Ultimately, this means that if you were interested in any of the stones I posted, then you can actually afford to buy them and have them shipped to you. I can understand if you don't want to do this, but it's a possibility.

Budget after taxes & duties:

• Pounds: £3,808 - 20.22% (see below) = £3,038
• Euros: €4,360 - 20.22% (see below) = €3,479
• USD: $4,987 - 20.22% (see below) = $3,979

Actually, all the stones I listed above would fall within the $3,979 threshold.

FYI, earlier when I posted all those stones I wasn't sure if you'd actually buy from those sources, but I wanted to show you what was available and the prices. These stones are part of what we call "virtual inventory" meaning a supplier owns them and makes them available to multiple vendors like your local jeweler. So there is a strong possibility your local guy can actually get these stones for you. The websites I showed may give you some leverage to negotiate a better price.

Also @Matilda mentioned a great possibility, which is Crafted by Infinity (CBI) diamonds. These stones are really special. They are precision cut and have hearts & arrows (H&A) symmetry. These type of stones make up about 1-2% of the entire diamond population. They are extremely well cut and come with some fantastic upgrade programs, etc. I would absolutely consider these if I were you.

http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/

I would like to further explain that CBI utilizes select dealers to distribute their specialty cut stones. In the US, a very popular and well respected dealer is High Performance Diamonds (HPD). In the UK, you have @Durham Rose and Diamond House, as already mentioned.

http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/web/locations/index.html

One of the things I like about the way CBI structured their network is that each dealer has access to the same inventory and offers the same stones for the same prices. Some of the international dealers will even offer the stones with VAT included which makes it a particularly easy transaction for folks like yourself. I've helped a few people in UK with such a transaction.

I mentioned all these to show you some of their stones they have available. I noticed that Durham Rose & Diamond House doesn't have online inventories to search, so I utilized HPD and Antwerp based CBI dealer, Fortez. Again, because the way the CBI dealer network is structured, whatever stones you see on either of these sites would be available at the UK dealers. HPD is quoted in USD and does not include VAT. Fortez is quoted in Euros and includes 21% VAT.

CBI 0.73ct F VS1
http://www.fortrez.com/diamonds/detail/9233/detail.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9233

CBI 0.71ct E VS1
http://www.fortrez.com/diamonds/detail/8378/detail.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8378

CBI 0.71ct E VVS2
http://www.fortrez.com/diamonds/detail/10656/detail.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10656

CBI 0.70ct D VS2
http://www.fortrez.com/diamonds/detail/9377/detail.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9377

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz that .868 G IF ES is Do you have any idea why that would of missed ACA designation? (Asking for learning purposes.)

I'm throwing darts at a barn door here, but my guess is it's probably the ever so slight nuances in the hearts image: larger gaps between the chevrons and heart points plus the slight clefts in the heart tails...nothing that would impact performance or be remotely visible without a specific H&A Viewer tool. Can't get over the gobs of brilliance this one shows in their videos!

 

[EvilSmoothie]

Wow some really lovely suggestions there. I think I’m going to sack off the blue Nile idea as they have no scope imagery available at all. The only benefit was the duty was already included but I will have to do some more maths but think it may well be worth it.

I will absolutely look at Durham Rose!

 

[WDWDiamond]

I'm throwing darts at a barn door here, but my guess is it's probably the ever so slight nuances in the hearts image: larger gaps between the chevrons and heart points plus the slight clefts in the heart tails...nothing that would impact performance or be remotely visible without a specific H&A Viewer tool. Can't get over the gobs of brilliance this one shows in their videos!

Ahh okay. I can see the difference but it is ever so slight.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

That one has some light leakage (white ring under the table):



Here is a search link that I set up with JA to include only AGS Ideal diamonds which greatly reduces the effort required to find a diamond with amazing light performance since the AGS Ideal/Triple Zero cut criteria is better than around 60% of GIA 3X:

All Diamonds - Magnified in 360° HD | JamesAllen.com

James Allen offers a wide selection of GIA, IGI and AGS certified conflict-free loose diamonds, all viewable in 360° HD. Take the guesswork out of buying a diamond.

www.jamesallen.com

Here are some Whiteflash diamonds for you to look at, compare, and consider:

Diamond | 0.832 ct F VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4410593

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.832 carat F color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4410593

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.842 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4383165

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.842 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4383165

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.847 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4358233

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.847 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4358233

www.whiteflash.com

And two of the nicest "Expert Selection" diamonds I've seen in their inventory...these also qualify for their generous upgrade program and are probably the best bang for the buck out of all of these.

Diamond | 0.868 ct G IF Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4422517

This fabulous 0.868 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of IF and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4422517

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.818 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405757

This fabulous 0.818 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4405757

www.whiteflash.com

I kept the search to G color or better for the above options, but here are some results from expanding the search to H-J color options:

Diamond | 0.902 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4361092

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.902 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4361092

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.095 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4314000

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.095 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4314000

www.whiteflash.com

This one appears to face up extremely white, and poses a heck of a great value for a guaranteed super ideal cut diamond!

Diamond | 0.901 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4337904

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.901 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4337904

www.whiteflash.com

So I spent ages looking at

0.842 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond​

and

0.818 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond​

They look so similar that my untrained eye can barely spot any differences - For around the same price would I be better of looking at the F colour Expert Selection over the G grade a cut above? Is there really likely to be any performance difference in the Hearts and Arrows?

Thank you so much for that comprehensive list!

If you prefer to buy in the UK, I've seen some old threads on PS talking about Durham Rose, jeweler who can apparently access CBI diamonds (these are beautiful and really special).

CBI Diamonds - Durham Rose

durhamrose.com

Inserting some posts from one of those old threads here on Durham Rose, UK buying from US, CBI diamonds that you might find useful:

I looked on their website at the live diamond search and they have nothing at all if you only tick the CBI option. I have emailed them with my budget and style however so I will see what they come back with and will keep you posted. I would love to get UK based - especially if I end up with any problems I feel it will be far easier to resolve if I can go visit them and sort it out as opposed to shipping it half way across the world.

Thankfully with your amazing support I am really starting to feel more confident in finding a beautiful diamond online and probably will end up doing better online than seeing one in person under showroom conditions with a salesperson leading me astray to make a sale.

 

[DejaWiz]

So I spent ages looking at

0.842 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond​

and

0.818 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond​

They look so similar that my untrained eye can barely spot any differences - For around the same price would I be better of looking at the F colour Expert Selection over the G grade a cut above? Is there really likely to be any performance difference in the Hearts and Arrows?

Thank you so much for that comprehensive list!

You're very welcome!

All in all, I actually like the proportions and angles of the Expert Selection F VS2 better!

Here are the side profiles as a basis for comparing tinting...the F holds a very slight advantage, but they are both close to one another.

ACA 0.842 G VS2


ES 0.818 F VS2


And here's the ES 0.868 G IF

 

[DejaWiz]

Another option to explore is contact Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem.
He has a nice variety of diamonds in stock, virtually available, and he will even go so far as to be your concierge to find you an exceptional diamond that meets your budget and 4Cs desires, even if that diamond comes from one of his competitor's inventory:

diamond-search

www.distinctivegem.com

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

I looked on their website at the live diamond search and they have nothing at all if you only tick the CBI option. I have emailed them with my budget and style however so I will see what they come back with and will keep you posted. I would love to get UK based - especially if I end up with any problems I feel it will be far easier to resolve if I can go visit them and sort it out as opposed to shipping it half way across the world.

Thankfully with your amazing support I am really starting to feel more confident in finding a beautiful diamond online and probably will end up doing better online than seeing one in person under showroom conditions with a salesperson leading me astray to make a sale.

I don't think Durham Rose maintains a list of their CBI diamonds online but they will be able to respond to your email with options at requirements and budgets I believe. WolfCBI in the US has a list of CBI diamonds which I believe may show the CBI diamonds available for sale. Here is a quote I used from another member previously explaining this:

"One of the things I like about the way CBI structured their network is that each dealer has access to the same inventory and offers the same stones for the same prices. Some of the international dealers will even offer the stones with VAT included which makes it a particularly easy transaction for folks like yourself. I've helped a few people in UK with such a transaction.

I mentioned all these to show you some of their stones they have available. I noticed that Durham Rose & Diamond House doesn't have online inventories to search"


However, if you do decide to buy online from US, WhiteFlash and Brian Gavin are super ideal vendors with gorgeous diamonds! I shortlisted a few nice options within your budget from both vendors and there is also a taxes and duties estimator from JA (post #35 above) that can help you with working out the tax side of things.

With your research + everyone resources and help, I think you'll end up with a really beautiful diamond!

 

[EvilSmoothie]

I don't think Durham Rose maintains a list of their CBI diamonds online but they will be able to respond to your email with options at requirements and budgets I believe. WolfCBI in the US has a list of CBI diamonds which I believe may show the CBI diamonds available for sale. Here is a quote I used from another member previously explaining this:

"One of the things I like about the way CBI structured their network is that each dealer has access to the same inventory and offers the same stones for the same prices. Some of the international dealers will even offer the stones with VAT included which makes it a particularly easy transaction for folks like yourself. I've helped a few people in UK with such a transaction.

I mentioned all these to show you some of their stones they have available. I noticed that Durham Rose & Diamond House doesn't have online inventories to search"


However, if you do decide to buy online from US, WhiteFlash and Brian Gavin are super ideal vendors with gorgeous diamonds! I shortlisted a few nice options within your budget from both vendors and there is also a taxes and duties estimator from JA (post #35 above) that can help you with working out the tax side of things.

With your research + everyone resources and help, I think you'll end up with a really beautiful diamond!

I'm getting so excited and wish I could take you all our for a Coffee/Pint as I never expected to get this much help. I'm currently speaking with live chat at WhiteFlash getting some better images of their settings. They seem to have some really poor blown out images of their settings but they're being super helpful getting me more photographs.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

Another option to explore is contact Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem.
He has a nice variety of diamonds in stock, virtually available, and he will even go so far as to be your concierge to find you an exceptional diamond that meets your budget and 4Cs desires, even if that diamond comes from one of his competitor's inventory:

diamond-search

www.distinctivegem.com

Sat here watching the videos on his website of his Concierge service. He looks fantastic! I will absolutely look into it.

I will see what comes back from Durham rose as a UK supplier first as don't want to waste anybodies time but he looks really impressive.

 

[AprilBaby]

I think with WF ACA you get an excellent upgrade policy but not with the ES. You think you will never upgrade but who knows what the future brings? It’s nice to have the option. You are getting excellent advice and her ring will outshine all her friends!

 

[lovedogs]

I think with WF ACA you get an excellent upgrade policy but not with the ES. You think you will never upgrade but who knows what the future brings? It’s nice to have the option. You are getting excellent advice and her ring will outshine all her friends!

The ES has the same upgrade policy as ACA. All of their in house stones have the upgrade policy (ACA, ES, PS)

 

[EvilSmoothie]

Another option to explore is contact Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem.
He has a nice variety of diamonds in stock, virtually available, and he will even go so far as to be your concierge to find you an exceptional diamond that meets your budget and 4Cs desires, even if that diamond comes from one of his competitor's inventory:

diamond-search

www.distinctivegem.com

So I've just watched all 3 of his concierge videos. You have all been absolutely fantastic, you really have. I'm now sit here wondering if I can afford NOT to use his services if I source a stone from the USA. I mean he will actually examine the physical stone and at no or minimal cost to me dependant on the cost of the stone. - I feel like I would be foolish not to use his services and rely only on what imagery / certificates the websites put out.

I think it's time for bed and to have a good sleep on it all. I feel like you have all given me the best possible stones within my budget to consider. I'm sure my OH will end up with a stone that will blow others who have just walked into a high street store out of the park, and that's down to this community entirely. Rhino's service may just be that safeguard that makes me feel really confident in ordering from the USA knowing it's been physically examined by somebody who knows what they're talking about.

Thank you all so much.

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Just wanted to say I LOVE my CBI!! If you’re close enough to go to Durham Rose and see some in person that would be great! I also love the Whiteflash diamonds @DejaWiz found for you. If you are considering either CBI or Whiteflash you really don’t need a concierge service, IMHO.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

So I have a few options for CBI diamonds from Durham Rose. I’m a little concerned about the colour ratings on the first two and fear I’m going to end up over budget (oh well) with the 3rd option.

Any input on what has been suggested would be amazing. I think I’m likely to go with the 0.8ct D VS1.

Thanks



CBI Diamond Costs

0.62 Carat Crafted by Infinity Diamond
Ideal Cut | G Color | VS2 Clarity
Images and Certification
£2441

0.75 Carat Crafted by Infinity Diamond
Ideal Cut | H Color | VS2 Clarity
Images and Certification
£3195

This diamond below is currently in certification but I have added it for reference.
However, the total will become above £5000 including the mount.

0.80 Carat Crafted by Infinity Diamond
Ideal Cut | D Color | VS1 Clarity
Images and Certification
£5080

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I’m not sure how it would work out price wise, but I’d be more likely to go for one of the WF ES diamonds (0.86 G IF or 0.82 F VS2). They both get you to the 6mm size and they’re going to be beautifully cut stones. I don’t think at that size you are going to see much, if any, tint.

If you want to go with Durham Rose, I would ask them if they have any other options in the ~0.8ct size range. The D VS1 will be lovely but so expensive imo. Depending on her colour sensitivity I think in this size range going down to G or even H should be okay. But I wouldn’t compromise on size tbh (of course cut comes first, but that’s a non issue with both WF and CBI).

 

[WDWDiamond]

+1 to @AllAboardTheBlingTrain comment. I’m not sure if this helps with a visual but my first diamond was a .718 I SI1 ACA from Whiteflash set in a custom ER with F/G ACA melee. I did not see a tint in that diamond. I upgraded to a 1.17 I VS2 ACA and I do see a tint at the tilt angle. I attached some pictures of my first diamond. Size 6.75 US.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

I’m not sure how it would work out price wise, but I’d be more likely to go for one of the WF ES diamonds (0.86 G IF or 0.82 F VS2). They both get you to the 6mm size and they’re going to be beautifully cut stones. I don’t think at that size you are going to see much, if any, tint.

If you want to go with Durham Rose, I would ask them if they have any other options in the ~0.8ct size range. The D VS1 will be lovely but so expensive imo. Depending on her colour sensitivity I think in this size range going down to G or even H should be okay. But I wouldn’t compromise on size tbh (of course cut comes first, but that’s a non issue with both WF and CBI).

I think the stones are much more expensive in the UK and that’s something I may have have to swallow.
When I was doing some maths last night, I think that by the time I’ve added a setting (expensive side at WF), paid duty and VAT plus probably been charged an international transaction / conversion fee I don’t know it’s really going to work out any cheaper plus. I tend to find when buying expensive items abroad that if I’m getting it shipped the fees just keep adding up. I remember being charged VAT and import duty plus paying handling fees to the courier for taking it through customs plus the fees for the currency exchange. They start to add up and the savings quickly start to fade away.

Defiantly food for thought though and will to properly work out the costs and see if importing will be worthwhile. If Durham rose works out slightly more expensive but I can get it resized etc for no additional charge by walking in their store then in the long run it may be worthwhile.

 

[DejaWiz]

I think the stones are much more expensive in the UK and that’s something I may have have to swallow.
When I was doing some maths last night, I think that by the time I’ve added a setting (expensive side at WF), paid duty and VAT plus probably been charged an international transaction / conversion fee I don’t know it’s really going to work out any cheaper plus. I tend to find when buying expensive items abroad that if I’m getting it shipped the fees just keep adding up. I remember being charged VAT and import duty plus paying handling fees to the courier for taking it through customs plus the fees for the currency exchange. They start to add up and the savings quickly start to fade away.

Defiantly food for thought though and will to properly work out the costs and see if importing will be worthwhile. If Durham rose works out slightly more expensive but I can get it resized etc for no exchange change by walking in their store then in the long run it may be worthwhile.

I agree - sometimes convenience pays for itself in the long run, especially for a diamond ring that *will* need expected adjustments and maintenance as time goes by.

 

[EvilSmoothie]

+1 to @AllAboardTheBlingTrain comment. I’m not sure if this helps with a visual but my first diamond was a .718 I SI1 ACA from Whiteflash set in a custom ER with F/G ACA melee. I did not see a tint in that diamond. I upgraded to a 1.17 I VS2 ACA and I do see a tint at the tilt angle. I attached some pictures of my first diamond. Size 6.75 US.

Beautiful ring! Thanks so much for sharing. It’s often hard to assess the real life implications of such things based of guides and theory online.

 

[lovedogs]

I wouldn't worry about G or H color in a sub 1-ct stone (IMHO).

 

[Tartansparkles]

I'm in the UK and have purchased from WF twice. I used xe.com to complete the transaction and I paid 20% VAT, 5% duty and around £18 in handling fees. The items arrived within 48 hrs of being shipped. I also spoke with Durham Rose re CBIs but even with shipping the similiar items from WF were better value. I have also purchased from and returned items to Blue Nile. They are actually based in Dublin which counts as international return costing around £45 (returns weren't free). One last thought, I think I picked up that your OH sent pictures of the halo setting a few years ago, likes and dislikes come and go and it might be worthwhile checking that a halo is still on the wishlist.

 

[WDWDiamond]

Beautiful ring! Thanks so much for sharing. It’s often hard to assess the real life implications of such things based of guides and theory online.

Thank you! I am a visual person too so for me it always helps.