Harry Winston, Tiffany and Cartier and frustrations

[Nymphettamine]

I am new here. So I will say hello to everyone that opens this.

This are the brands I am insisting on: HW, Cartier and then Tiffany. I also like the Michael Barin, Good Old Gold and Hearts on fire stones a lot but I am very very concerned about the settings since there I am the most picky person you ever heard of and I did not really find anything I like on Good Old Gold and Hearts on fire.

Our budget is small and yeah, I can not believe I say this because before I started looking I thought it is huge. Initially my fiance thought 10 k will be a decent amount. Now we are up to 15k and only because I gave up to my 14k Oscar de la Renta wedding gown and veil (which he thought will be 9k but whatever).

So, I do not like at all the Tiffany solitaire setting and that is because of the sharp band of the ring. The only rings for Tiffany I consider are the Grace and Soleste (cushion one). Here I guess I can get either of them if I skip a bit of the color, let's say G and clarity as low as VS2. Even so I am not sure I will settle for any because I just don't feel they are my style entirely.

From Cartier I like only the classic solitaire ones and maybe the ones with stones on their band in solitaire section. I was confirmed I can get something in our budget from what I like which is good and maybe I will compromise and get a Cartier ring.

From HW I love the only the Solitaire simple one and of course all the halo micro pave. But the prices are so high I doubt we can fit something in our 15K budget. Since their stones are D, E, F and never lower than VS2 I am seriously concern than will be way out of the budget. Anyway, everything from HW I love costs 33k and up. Now, they told me the solitaires start at 10-11k so there's a tiny bit of hope. Only tiny...

I feel very frustrated with our budget and I even consider not get anything at all. Did you find anything mentioned in the 15K budget girls? And if not then is it anyone who refused to get an ering because they could not get what they want? Is it that bad to get only a wedding band until I can have the dream ring? People will judge? My fiance was a bit down when I told him I might skip on ering because I will not fit what I want into the budget.

Thank you for patience of reading this and thank you in advance for honest opinions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think your budget is not in a realistic range to buy from one of those companies, to be honest. You'd have to buy a really small diamond, and people are going to be more impressed by a larger stone.

You can get a better quality diamond from Good Old Gold, and then have Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch set your stone in a setting style that you love similar to one of those designers. Their workmanship is equal or better than the jewelers you just named. People here with very large budgets have chosen them over the big brands. That is what I advise you to do to get the largest and best quality ring within your budget.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-victor-canera-beauties-here.175281/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-victor-canera-beauties-here.175281/[/URL]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, and possibly your best option is to spend almost the whole amount on the diamond and have GOG set it in a simple solitaire for now. Then you can upgrade the diamond later if you wish and then have the dream setting made.

 

[Nymphettamine]

I think your budget is not in a realistic range to buy from one of those companies, to be honest. You'd have to buy a really small diamond, and people are going to be more impressed by a larger stone.

You can get a better quality diamond from Good Old Gold, and then have Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch set your stone in a setting style that you love similar to one of those designers. Their workmanship is equal or better than the jewelers you just named. People here with very large budgets have chosen them over the big brands. That is what I advise you to do to get the largest and best quality ring within your budget.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-victor-canera-beauties-here.175281/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-victor-canera-beauties-here.175281/[/URL]

Thank you for fast answer.
I did not know the setting quality could be same with not so famous designers. I will check the link now.

 

[Nymphettamine]

Oh, and possibly your best option is to spend almost the whole amount on the diamond and have GOG set it in a simple solitaire for now. Then you can upgrade the diamond later if you wish and then have the dream setting made.

Victor Canera has so pretty things. Prettier than Barin in my humble oppinion. Thank you so much. If I pick a stone from GOG you think Victor Canera will set it for me in a simple setting? Or pick everything from GOG?

And what are the chances to sell the ring once we afford the dream ring? You think people will buy the stone if it is worn by somebody else before or I should reset the stone in a brooch and just get a new ring in the future? How do people handle upgrading usually?

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Oh, and possibly your best option is to spend almost the whole amount on the diamond and have GOG set it in a simple solitaire for now. Then you can upgrade the diamond later if you wish and then have the dream setting made.

Victor Canera has so pretty things. Prettier than Barin in my humble oppinion. Thank you so much. If I pick a stone from GOG you think Victor Canera will set it for me in a simple setting? Or pick everything from GOG?

And what are the chances to sell the ring once we afford the dream ring? You think people will buy the stone if it is worn by somebody else before or I should reset the stone in a brooch and just get a new ring in the future? How do people handle upgrading usually?

Good old gold and several others have an upgrade policy on their diamonds where you can trade in your stone and retain the original purchase price towards a new diamond. If you plan on upgrading the diamond it would be nice to stay with a simple but High quality solitaire from Victor Canera or similar so you won't be flushing major money down the toilet like you would if it was a pave setting. Good luck! It may also be worth contacting Victor for a diamond and a setting, he has access to all diamond lists and may be able to do more for you price wise since you could buy the whole thing from him, ask about future diamond upgrades from him and compare prices with GOG. Could be worth it.

 

[msop04]

Oh, and possibly your best option is to spend almost the whole amount on the diamond and have GOG set it in a simple solitaire for now. Then you can upgrade the diamond later if you wish and then have the dream setting made.

Victor Caner has so pretty things. Prettier than Barin in my humble oppinion. Thank you so much. If I pick a stone from GOG you think Victor Canera will set it for me in a simple setting? Or pick everything from GOG?

And what are the chances to sell the ring once we afford the dream ring? You think people will buy the stone if it is worn by somebody else before or I should reset the stone in a brooch and just get a new ring in the future? How do people handle upgrading usually?

Hi Nymphettamine (I love your screen name, by the way! HA!)

Famous designer brands do not mean "best quality," it simply means you are paying for the name.

If you truly want the largest diamond possible, I would pick one from GOG, JA, or ERD and have it set in a sleek, classic solitaire -- but not by Victor Canera. I would want to spend as much of my budget as I could on the stone, then have it reset later by Victor in one of his signature settings. This way, you can get the "best of both worlds."

What is your favorite solitaire setting? Do you like 4 or 6 prongs? Here are some gorgeous Vatche settings (GOG carries this brand), which are extremely well made as well, just less expensive than VC would be. Also, ERD does amazing settings that look just like Cartier and HW -- sinc you mentioned you liked those. (understand that the images and videos are not of actual rings, and my look funny, but the actual rings will be beautiful)
Classic Cartier (of course, with any shape stone you'd like)
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/abby-cathedral-solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-39-17.html
Classic Cartier with Double Claw prongs
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/brooklyn-classic-4-prong-cathedral-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-45-17.html

These are in your budget and gorgeous - all very white, clean, and great cut!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9558/
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-176875
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982229.htm (a tiny bit over budget)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982231.htm

 

[Nymphettamine]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! So many beautiful advices. I emailed Victor Canera and they replied so fast. They said they can fit a halo and a stone up to 1.5 ct in my budget. But I am happy with less carat if the cut and simmetry is good. I have very hard time spelling everything in here so I apologize if my english is bad and if it bothers anyone when I do spelling mistakes.

Msop04, I am glad you like it. It is from my old dinosaur era for clubbing/trance forums.

 

[Nymphettamine]

Oh, and possibly your best option is to spend almost the whole amount on the diamond and have GOG set it in a simple solitaire for now. Then you can upgrade the diamond later if you wish and then have the dream setting made.

Victor Caner has so pretty things. Prettier than Barin in my humble oppinion. Thank you so much. If I pick a stone from GOG you think Victor Canera will set it for me in a simple setting? Or pick everything from GOG?

And what are the chances to sell the ring once we afford the dream ring? You think people will buy the stone if it is worn by somebody else before or I should reset the stone in a brooch and just get a new ring in the future? How do people handle upgrading usually?

Hi Nymphettamine (I love your screen name, by the way! HA!)

Famous designer brands do not mean "best quality," it simply means you are paying for the name.

If you truly want the largest diamond possible, I would pick one from GOG, JA, or ERD and have it set in a sleek, classic solitaire -- but not by Victor Canera. I would want to spend as much of my budget as I could on the stone, then have it reset later by Victor in one of his signature settings. This way, you can get the "best of both worlds."

What is your favorite solitaire setting? Do you like 4 or 6 prongs? Here are some gorgeous Vatche settings (GOG carries this brand), which are extremely well made as well, just less expensive than VC would be. Also, ERD does amazing settings that look just like Cartier and HW -- sinc you mentioned you liked those. (understand that the images and videos are not of actual rings, and my look funny, but the actual rings will be beautiful)
Classic Cartier (of course, with any shape stone you'd like)
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/abby-cathedral-solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-39-17.html
Classic Cartier with Double Claw prongs
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/brooklyn-classic-4-prong-cathedral-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-45-17.html

These are in your budget and gorgeous - all very white, clean, and great cut!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9558/
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-176875
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982229.htm (a tiny bit over budget)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982231.htm

I prefer 4 prongs to 6. I never liked the 6 style. I will check your links.

My mood got a bit better since I discovered all your links.

 

[Niel]

sounds like you are in capable hands. VC will be able to make you a setting with the quality you want, that i am sure of.

The only thing I wanted to say was not to be so quick to dismiss a Si1 stone, if one comes up that meets all your other requirements. If you look at a stone thats eye clean, meaning you cant see any inclusions by looking at it, do you really care if its SI1 or FL? will that increase the enjoyment or beauty of your ring? If to you the answer is yes, then stay with higher clarity, but if not, then dont automatically exclude an SI1, because there are quite a few out there that are eye clean. And you can get it for less, or get a bigger stone, or higher color....

Just wanted to throw it out there, because i think theres a misconception that SI1 means you see inclusions, and that isnt always the case. Youre more likely to, if say, you picked a random one, than a VS2.. but that doesnt mean there arent ones out there that are eye clean.

cant wait to see what you get

 

[msop04]

sounds like you are in capable hands. VC will be able to make you a setting with the quality you want, that i am sure of.

The only thing I wanted to say was not to be so quick to dismiss a Si1 stone, if one comes up that meets all your other requirements. If you look at a stone thats eye clean, meaning you cant see any inclusions by looking at it, do you really care if its SI1 or FL? will that increase the enjoyment or beauty of your ring? If to you the answer is yes, then stay with higher clarity, but if not, then dont automatically exclude an SI1, because there are quite a few out there that are eye clean. And you can get it for less, or get a bigger stone, or higher color....
Just wanted to throw it out there, because i think theres a misconception that SI1 means you see inclusions, and that isnt always the case. Youre more likely to, if say, you picked a random one, than a VS2.. but that doesnt mean there arent ones out there that are eye clean.

This exactly! I have an 2.43 ct J/SI1 (the larger the carat weight, the more likely to see the inclusions...) and mine is absolutely eye clean! Going to SI allowed me to get a much larger stone! ...that said, if I could've found an even larger stone in an eye-clean SI2 in the same price range, I would have bought it in a heartbeat!

I think you are very much limiting the size stone you can get with overkill on clarity... Personally, I don't care what the clarity is, as long as it's eye clean! No one will know if it's not a VVS or VS except you and your FH -- what they will notice is SIZE and CUT quality (because it will sparkle like crazy)!!!!

 

[Sakuracherry]

OP, if you want a bigger stone, absolutely go down to SI1. I was originally looking at a VS2 stone, but ended up buying a SI1 because WF suggested it's eye clean and performs well.

 

[kenny]

You can't afford what you want.
That's fine, we probably all do that from time to time.

The problem is it really sounds like you expect more than what you can afford.
Otherwise there would be no frustration.
Nobody has a right to what they can't afford, so just lower your expectations.

Be happy for what you have instead of frustrated you don't have more.

 

[ame]

I'd max out all you can on the stone right now, get a simple and inexpensive setting for the moment, and save a bit for the setting you want. No one would know it was a designer or non designer ring or gown or whatever anyway unless you told them.

 

[msop04]

I agree with ame and the other posters... get a plain 4 prong setting and the biggest rock you can find for around $14,500! Here is a 1.5 ct that looks great and scored 1.1 on the HCA (we look for less than 2)...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-239969

Another beauty from WF ACA line...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982231.htm

Brian Gavin Blue!!! Icy white (and eye clean per Brian Gavin) with Fluorescense & HCA 1.7!! If there is any "wiggle room" in your budget, I would buy this stone in a heartbeat!
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.553-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-104054186010
and set it in this:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/four-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5342w14

What do you think?

 

[Niel]

I'm going to say I think you should get a soitaire but a Steven kirsch or VC one, as you said you wouldn't even want an e ring if it wasn't up to your high standards. But still one of those solitaire settings you like. Then pair a HW or Cartier band with it and no one is the wiser. Plus if you are actually someone who cares about top quality, I'd assume you'd want to get your stone separately to guarantee cut quality, which honestly isn't a guarantee with Cartier or Tiffany.

 

[Nymphettamine]

Thank you all of you for all the sugestions.

I was set up with 1 ct stone initially because of my budget, which was not enough for the brands I thought I want. I already started to look at stones and email companies. I think I will have a bit wiggle room . I showed my Fiancee the offer Victor Canera did for a 1.15 in an Emilya setting which is almost at the pick of our budget and he asked: "What about the 2 ct.?" . From all the companies he liked him the most. GOG also emailed very fast. They mentioned they do not work together because they are in competition. I just got back home and I will take a look at their stones and settings as you guys suggested. The others did not reply yet but I am patient...

I am so happy I found this forum!

 

[Nymphettamine]

I'm going to say I think you should get a soitaire but a Steven kirsch or VC one, as you said you wouldn't even want an e ring if it wasn't up to your high standards. But still one of those solitaire settings you like. Then pair a HW or Cartier band with it and no one is the wiser. Plus if you are actually someone who cares about top quality, I'd assume you'd want to get your stone separately to guarantee cut quality, which honestly isn't a guarantee with Cartier or Tiffany.

Actually my band will be probably from Cartier. They have a very thin one. I also saw Tiffany has something 2 mm also. I do not want stones on my band because I want to match with his. I have pretty tiny hands and short fingers (like a child) and it will look a bit strange to be so embelished I think.

Going to research more stones and settings. It is like a drug now.

 

[Tekate]

Miss, I think the Canera rings are to die for! each and every one of them is unique, stunning and visually artwork.. I wish I could afford him! best of luck on your engagement.. and can't wait to see your ring!

 

[Mico]

I'm going to say I think you should get a soitaire but a Steven kirsch or VC one, as you said you wouldn't even want an e ring if it wasn't up to your high standards. But still one of those solitaire settings you like. Then pair a HW or Cartier band with it and no one is the wiser. Plus if you are actually someone who cares about top quality, I'd assume you'd want to get your stone separately to guarantee cut quality, which honestly isn't a guarantee with Cartier or Tiffany.

Actually my band will be probably from Cartier. They have a very thin one. I also saw Tiffany has something 2 mm also. I do not want stones on my band because I want to match with his. I have pretty tiny hands and short fingers (like a child) and it will look a bit strange to be so embelished I think.

Going to research more stones and settings. It is like a drug now.

I actually started out just like you (budget and expectations), and ended up with a 2ct I SI2 excellent cut diamond in a Vatche setting from IDJ. If you look in my history you can see my thread on the ring. If you are looking for a minimalistic setting, I would pick the most important C to you (after cut) and roll with it. For me, my second choice was carat...

Beat of luck!

 

[Niel]

So you are not required to get the stone and setting from the same place, if you find a stone you like, you can ship it over to VC to set it in that nice HW style halo.

now i found this stone

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-243077

i know, i know, its an SI2, however, It looks in such a way that it could be eye clean. Now the way to tell is to reserve it, as the sales rep to get an idealscope image, and make sure its eye clean from the sides and the top, though id argue in a halo where you wont see the side of the diamond it isnt as important, though you may take it out of a halo eventually. if it is? oh well youve hot a 7mm stone, E color, eye clean, and leaves you enough (if i remember correctly) to have that stone shipped on over to VC and have them make you just the perfect setting. Keep in mind, these are SOO ZOOMED IN, so what seems obvious now might not be so obvious in real life

if you like it, ask them to reserve it right away so no one steals it

 

[Nymphettamine]

Niel, about SI1 I notiched the same thing. So, good to take into consideration.

Mico, I am glad I am not the only one. Altough after my boyfriend was willing to increase the budget I felt a bit like a spoiled brat about my whole attitude and I am not gonna jump too much over it.

Tekte, I am so in love with them too. I watched all the Youtubes on his channel today on my phone. I guess my 3 GB plan will fly very fast.

I have a color problem though. Will an I color stone appear yellowish or it is neglectable on a hearts and arrows cut? Same question for cushions.

And because nobody gave this options so far:
http://www.victorcanera.com/w6dbi5
http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/1vxsni
http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/g5ainl

He sugested the round I color, SI1, 1.49 ct one.

What would YOU personally pick if it was your ring? Cause I am more inclined to get the 1.2 rather than 1.49 and have less color... of course, in my non-expert eyes...

I am going all the time back to ideal cuts, not lower than VS2, F or G max. color and faint or non flouresence...

 

[Mico]

Niel, about SI1 I notiched the same thing. So, good to take into consideration.

Mico, I am glad I am not the only one. Altough after my boyfriend was willing to increase the budget I felt a bit like a spoiled brat about my whole attitude and I am not gonna jump too much over it.

Tekte, I am so in love with them too. I watched all the Youtubes on his channel today on my phone. I guess my 3 GB plan will fly very fast.

I have a color problem though. Will an I color stone appear yellowish or it is neglectable on a hearts and arrows cut? Same question for cushions.

And because nobody gave this options so far:
http://www.victorcanera.com/w6dbi5
http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/1vxsni
http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/g5ainl

He sugested the round I color, SI1, 1.49 ct one.

What would YOU personally pick if it was your ring? Cause I am more inclined to get the 1.2 rather than 1.49 and have less color... of course, in my non-expert eyes...

I am going all the time back to ideal cuts, not lower than VS2, F or G max. color and faint or non flouresence...

I will say my diamond looks white to my eye when on my finger as a solitaire. I was initially put off when one of the diamond dealers in the Boston jewelry row showed me a D next to an I. Definitely different. I would advise you to go see some GIA certified stone to get a sense of what is too yellow for you. Start with an I alone. I know I could detect color at J, but when first showed an I it was ok. After getting my ring I had an issue with "mind-cleanliness" for awhile that resolved when I became more accustomed to my setting and all the compliments I was getting.

If you are looking to place the stone in a halo or with other diamonds I would consider a higher color as the offset might make your center stone not look as white as it would alone.

 

[Nymphettamine]

Oh, I am not sure what to do with the stones. I am a bit ashamed to mention another brand to him after the GOG rejection and since he was so nice and so responsive, I feel I should order from his own stones to be nice back (especially since I am so set up on cushion). And his cushions catch my eyes the most. I like the wide facets. I am a very new to this section and I sadly judge by my own eyes prettiness not beeing to aware what it is fashionable now in a cushion. I just like that style.

My boyfriend likes alot princess cuts but for me are the least appealing ones. I think I am more of a soft curves style, either round cushion or oval.

 

[Niel]

sense you asked if it was me i would 100 million % pick the 1.5ct I over a 1.2 ct anything. 1.5 cts to me is when a stone starts looking BIG. even in the world of PS, 1.5 is an impressive size.

I did a pole recently and 80% of finicky PSers said they like the color of an I, especially if that means bigger bling

But its not my ring.... its no ones but yours. Can you go actually SEE an I in a halo in person? the nice thing about a well made halo is it will hide the sides of the stone, and therefore the part of the stone that shows most of the color is hidden. But again, even if you unset it and do something else down the line, it doesnt have too much tint to be seen from the sides either!

That cushion is also yummy. but notice that it will look smaller because of the MM size

 

[Niel]

Oh, I am not sure what to do with the stones. I am a bit ashamed to mention another brand to him after the GOG rejection and since he was so nice and so responsive, I feel I should order from his own stones to be nice back (especially since I am so set up on cushion). And his cushions catch my eyes the most. I like the wide facets. I am a very new to this section and I sadly judge by my own eyes prettiness not beeing to aware what it is fashionable now in a cushion. I just like that style.

My boyfriend likes alot princess cuts but for me are the least appealing ones. I think I am more of a soft curves style, either round cushion or oval.

antique cushions are very in, at least, on PS. Plus the larger facets lend themselves even BETTER to colors like an I. If thats what you eye is picking go for it. Youre eyes will be looking at it for years

 

[Mico]

Oh, I am not sure what to do with the stones. I am a bit ashamed to mention another brand to him after the GOG rejection and since he was so nice and so responsive, I feel I should order from his own stones to be nice back (especially since I am so set up on cushion). And his cushions catch my eyes the most. I like the wide facets. I am a very new to this section and I sadly judge by my own eyes prettiness not beeing to aware what it is fashionable now in a cushion. I just like that style.

My boyfriend likes alot princess cuts but for me are the least appealing ones. I think I am more of a soft curves style, either round cushion or oval.

Don't be ashamed, this is a business transaction. Do what feels right and LOOKS right to you. Most vendors will be more than accommodating. If you like his cushions, awesome!

Niel is right, look more at dimensions vs. carat size. The spread determines how much finger real estate the diamond will take and will translate as a larger diamond visually .

Another note is that sometimes cushions can show more color vs. their round brilliant counterparts. Keep that in mind if you are color sensitive.

Just figure out which C is the most important to you after cut and go from there. Don't worry about others opinions. Good luck!

 

[kindred]

I would go with the 1.497 ct I SI1, personally. It faces up much larger than the cushion. Its dimensions are 7.35 - 7.32 x 4.52 as opposed to 6.96 - 6.63 x 4.32.

 

[Mico]

I would go with the 1.497 ct I SI1, personally. It faces up much larger than the cushion. Its dimensions are 7.35 - 7.32 x 4.52 as opposed to 6.96 - 6.63 x 4.32.

Cushions and round brilliant stones face up differently. I don't think they're comparable dimensions-wise. If you do a quick search on the forum there are previous threads comparing the two with hand shots. I would search and post but I'm on my phone

Pick the shape of stone you like best, then worry about dimensions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You asked above about how people upgrade. Some, like me, wore my original ring for many years and then kept it when I got my new e-ring for an anniversary. Some people set the original stone in a pendant or another piece of jewelry. Others buy a diamond from a seller that allows 100% of the purchase price towards the upgraded stone. You need to verify that with Victor, and definitely Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash do. I would not buy from seller that does not have a good upgrade policy just in case you decide to upgrade the stone later. If you do, I would choose a plain, inexpensive setting for now and put most of the money in the diamond. Or, if you plan to keep the diamond you buy now for your e-ring, then I would consider one of Victor's beautiful halo settings!

I am a little confused at what you were told, though, because I thought the antique cushions (AVC's) were the only stones from GOG that could not be sent to Victor to set. I think if you get a round diamond, you could send it anywhere you wish to be set.