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Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-ring

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cmnova04

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 4, 2013
Messages
30
So I am set on surprising the fiance to be with a diamond engagement ring, though admittedly I have a good handle on what she likes as she always raves about her friend's engagement ring, which I included a pic of.


I've read just about everything I've found online regarding the 4C's and now stumbled upon this forum where the analysis goes much deeper and now my head is spinning!

Background on what I'm looking for:
Shape: Round Brilliant Cut
Cut: Ideal/Excellent (basically want just about the best I can get!)
Clarity: VS2 - FL (though eye-clean S1 is fine)
Color: G - D
Carat: 0.9 - 1.2

Budget for the diamond itself is approximately $10K

Setting will be something simple like this: http://www.bluenile.com/fluted-solitaire-platinum-engagement-ring-settting_25662
If I can't afford a larger carat diamond, I may opt for a halo setting.

Basically I've resigned to the fact that buying online is the way to go since you seem to get so much more diamond for the money. That said I've read so much about the dimensions on here and that part is completely foregin to me. Should I look for specific ranges when it comes to table, depth, culet, l/w ratio, etc?

Thanks, if you need more info to help out let me know. New to this diamond stuff but it's fun!

img_980.jpg
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04|1370386962|3459043 said:
Should I look for specific ranges when it comes to table, depth, culet, l/w ratio, etc?
Click to expand...

There have been a few posts on PS about cheat sheets for round diamonds, but many people say they're too restrictive. I found this one by Lorelei and Ellen on this thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/preferred-specs-cheat-sheet-for-rounds.88548/

Depth: 60 - 62.4%
Table: 54- 57%
Crown angle: 34- 35 degrees
Pavilion angle: 40.6- 41 degrees
Girdle: Avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc

If pavilion angle = 40.6, lean toward a 34.5-35.0 crown. If pavilion angle = 41, lean toward a 34.0-34.5 crown

I'm not an expert (still quite new to PS), but I'll suggest these to start so you get an idea of what you can get for your budget
1.114ct G VS2: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2668678.htm#
1.088ct G VS2: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2715449.htm
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Christina...|1370394131|3459112 said:
Looks like a new listing since there aren't any images yet, but I'd contact BGD and inquire about this stone too.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.345-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812050#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
Click to expand...

great minds. :D

the difference between a G and an H is so slight. The threshold for most people even on here (when they have a lot of practice looking for tint) is usually I when they start seeing tint, so i do think your safe with an H. Plus its got fluor! so in some lights itll even look whiter!
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04 sorry we're bombarding you with choices lol.

Neil suggested a Brian Gavin Blue, which are stones that have fluorescence, but have been vetted by Brian Gavin to make sure it doesn't have a negative effect. You're able to get a bigger stone as a result, but it's a personal choice on whether you like it or not. These stones are almost if not as good as their signature collection, which is definitely top notch cuts. Whiteflash's ACA stones are also great cuts (the standards were created by Brian Gavin)

I'd suggest looking through Whiteflash, Brian Gavin, Good Old Gold and James Allen to see which has the setting you like. It's easier to buy the setting and stone from the same vendor
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

You cannot go wrong with a BG Blue and the 1.3 H is very nice.

Since you are a newbie you need to know about the AVR's August Vintage Round on Good Old Gold for a comparison:

First, Here is a Superior H & A... G color in your budget:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10829/

and a 1.52c H Premium H & A for $10k

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10736/

But you should see this video and see how bright a lower color AVR is next to an higher color H & A ...so interesting.
If you choose an AVR her friends will go "OH MY!" they are cut deeper so they face up slightly smaller but what a statement they make.

L AVR vs I H & A

http://vimeo.com/9868723

More comparisons of AV OEC's to H & A:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea7G1PWU9BU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwiM3COzjFM


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9594/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9599/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9867/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9868/

video of the two L AVR's
http://vimeo.com/62516510

Just another round option to consider. Modern Round brilliants are so common.

Would be a great GOG video comparing these H & A rounds to some of these AVR's.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Don't forget to check out the SolasFera's too:

this one is a little over $11k ...click "reserve diamond" for the price.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9775/
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

I really like the brian gavin stone :appl:
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Niel|1370394988|3459126 said:
Christina...|1370394131|3459112 said:
Looks like a new listing since there aren't any images yet, but I'd contact BGD and inquire about this stone too.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.345-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812050#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
Click to expand...

great minds. :D

the difference between a G and an H is so slight. The threshold for most people even on here (when they have a lot of practice looking for tint) is usually I when they start seeing tint, so i do think your safe with an H. Plus its got fluor! so in some lights itll even look whiter!
Click to expand...

Opps! :lol: Sorry Neil, I didn't realize that you had already posted the stone. It looks like it could be a real beauty! :love:
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

I'm thrilled I stumbled upon this little "gem" of a site! So many knowledgeable and passionate people here who like to help out!

Hawk - Thanks for the cheat sheet and the suggested diamonds.

The Brain Gavin Blue looks like it can be very nice and a great size too, I've reached out to see about getting images. I assume since you recommended them that they are a great company to work with. I'm not familiar with the "Brian Gavin Blue", so appreciate the additional details hawk. Everything I read made it sound like fluorescence doesn't matter much, and you mention BG makes sure it isn't a negative, but any reason for concern with that?

Ariel - Not gonna lie, you lost me on the AVR stuff! I'll go watch the videos now and hopefully that clues me in. I had a tough time finding info simply explaining the different types of round cuts, everything seems to just be about the brilliant cut.

Funny how I was worried about buying a diamond ring since I knew nothing, and now I just thirst for learning more and more. The process is actually a lot of fun!

Great suggestions on places to start and possibly dropping to an H. I'll keep everyone updated!
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04|1370445514|3459432 said:
I'm thrilled I stumbled upon this little "gem" of a site! So many knowledgeable and passionate people here who like to help out!

Hawk - Thanks for the cheat sheet and the suggested diamonds.

The Brain Gavin Blue looks like it can be very nice and a great size too, I've reached out to see about getting images. I assume since you recommended them that they are a great company to work with. I'm not familiar with the "Brian Gavin Blue", so appreciate the additional details hawk. Everything I read made it sound like fluorescence doesn't matter much, and you mention BG makes sure it isn't a negative, but any reason for concern with that?

Ariel - Not gonna lie, you lost me on the AVR stuff! I'll go watch the videos now and hopefully that clues me in. I had a tough time finding info simply explaining the different types of round cuts, everything seems to just be about the brilliant cut.

Funny how I was worried about buying a diamond ring since I knew nothing, and now I just thirst for learning more and more. The process is actually a lot of fun!

Great suggestions on places to start and possibly dropping to an H. I'll keep everyone updated!
Click to expand...

Awesome! I do think an h is a good way to go. I'm glad you are open to the idea. If you are I'd definitely reserve that BG while it gets reviewed to see if its eye clean. Brian Gavin I a fabulous site. The quality is amazing. I don't think you could go wrong, as long as its eye clean.

And they have lots of cute settings. I would suggest one maybe a little different than her friends. Depending on how close they are, I'm sure she probably wouldn't wanta direct copy, nor would her friend be too happy about it.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Niel|1370448136|3459453 said:
Awesome! I do think an h is a good way to go. I'm glad you are open to the idea. If you are I'd definitely reserve that BG while it gets reviewed to see if its eye clean. Brian Gavin I a fabulous site. The quality is amazing. I don't think you could go wrong, as long as its eye clean.

And they have lots of cute settings. I would suggest one maybe a little different than her friends. Depending on how close they are, I'm sure she probably wouldn't wanta direct copy, nor would her friend be too happy about it.
Click to expand...

+1 on both points
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Brian Gavin also carries Sholdt...Sholdt has some very sleek designs, similar to her friend's ring but a few more options. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/designer/sholdt

Not sure what your budget for the setting is, hopefully these aren't out of your price range. The Khloe is closest to her friend's and the Ava is just a little more unique. A number of PSers have the Ava, it's gorgeous. Audball is one of those with the Ava. (I love the Mia but that may be too much of a stretch for your budget?)
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

I LOVE the ava! That would be just different enough to be distinctly hers but still have the same look.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

I agree with Niel's BG selection
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

ditto on the not copying her friend's ring

You will find a wealth of educational info. on the videos at GOG.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Working with Denise at BGD already and waiting on pictures! Can't believe the response times, impressed so far.

Definitely going to go with something different than her friends, just using that to help give a visual of what her 'tastes' are. I was hoping to spend less than $1500 on a setting, but I have plenty saved up so it's not a hard budget. This is a special occasion and something that will be a lasting memory after all! :)

I think I've settled on platinum, though if it makes a more beautiful setting available I would consider dropping to white gold.

A little about my significant other, she has that italian "olive" skin, tans in about 2 seconds once late spring hits, is very slender and athletic. She isn't dainty, so I was thinking I want something durable. I don't know her ring size yet, but she has very small and skinny hands, I'm thinking I want something with a narrow band so it looks great on her and also makes the stone look bigger.

The Mia is really nice, but I wonder if its too wide for small fingers/hands. The Ava is nice, but seems expensive for 14K white gold. It does look like it'd be durable and really show off the center stone though!

There were also these for budget, not sure if these are just too plain though:
Platinum 4 Prong Solitaire: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/four-prong-solitaire-platinum-5342p
Platinum Grace: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/grace-platinum-5414p
18K White Gold Valentine Pave: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-valentine-micro-pave-1-18k-white-gold-5688w18-3

I really like this one when viewed from the top-down, not sure ahout the other angles. Again, more than I was hoping to spend though:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-allie-platinum-5852p
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04|1370457629|3459561 said:
I think the ASET image is newly posted, not sure if anyone who knows what to look for has any thoughts?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.345-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812050
Click to expand...

Well the aset looks fabulous I just hope its eye clean.

If it ends up being, this stone is about a thousand less than your original stone budget, so if you do decide to go up in price for the setting, just keep that in mind. Plat is expensive.


Just because she seems to like thicker bands I'm going to show you more of those lovely sholdt settings ;) I think Echidna has a similar size stone as the one you're considering.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-sholdt-thread.175520/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-sholdt-thread.175520/[/URL]
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Too bad about the Sholdt...I love their line (even though my e-ring, which I picked myself, is nothing like a Sholdt, lol). I have a small-ish hand, size 5.25, long skinny fingers, and a graduated shoulder like the Sholdt looks good on my finger. Take a look at the thread Niel posted for real life examples. The thing with all the online vendor pics is you get no sense of scale.

The Grace is gorgeous, the name is very apt.

Not crazy about the N-E-W-S setting, I"m not sure why.

ETA: Keep in mind, the circumference of her finger may be small (ring size) but if she has long fingers, she'll still have lots of real estate in the areas above and below where the ring sits (I believe this is called the proximal phalange). Make sense?
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Careful what you wish for. Niel & Co. are helpful, but main seeing some of these pictures it'll really hurt the wallet! :)

Niel - Browsed that thread and that is really a beautiful setting, the side profile showing off the stone is amazing. I even like the one in rose gold, adds almost a more retro look to the very modern and sleek setting. I also saw ck1223's ring posted in that thread on the second page, any idea what Sholdt it is? Looks like it may be the Minnie but hard to tell.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-ring-received-pics-inside-proposal-is-this-week.181337/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-ring-received-pics-inside-proposal-is-this-week.181337/[/URL]

Maccers - She is petite, so her fingers aren't long. I assume the N-E-W-S reference is to the Valentine setting? I hadn't even noticed that but now that you mention it, it does look odd.

My next hurdle after deciding on the setting is finding out the ring size without tipping her off, does it ever end!? Haha
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04|1370460391|3459584 said:
Careful what you wish for. Niel & Co. are helpful, but main seeing some of these pictures it'll really hurt the wallet! :)

Niel - Browsed that thread and that is really a beautiful setting, the side profile showing off the stone is amazing. I even like the one in rose gold, adds almost a more retro look to the very modern and sleek setting. I also saw ck1223's ring posted in that thread on the second page, any idea what Sholdt it is? Looks like it may be the Minnie but hard to tell.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-ring-received-pics-inside-proposal-is-this-week.181337/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-ring-received-pics-inside-proposal-is-this-week.181337/[/URL]

Maccers - She is petite, so her fingers aren't long. I assume the N-E-W-S reference is to the Valentine setting? I hadn't even noticed that but now that you mention it, it does look odd.

My next hurdle after deciding on the setting is finding out the ring size without tipping her off, does it ever end!? Haha
Click to expand...
:lol: :lol:

Of course I don't want you to spend more than your allotted budget, but if you have the money I just think that should setting is so special. And it seems to really match the inspiration ring well, without replicating it. Plus that setting is pretty of all finger sizes (once you figure that out :lol: )

Rose gold is beautiful on a lower skin tone, and might bring the price down. But that's only if you know she likes it.
You know her best though as to what style she likes.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Niel|1370462212|3459598 said:
Here's another bgblue h that's a bit budget friendly. Seems eye clean so that's good. Just in case the other one isn't.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.211-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812016
Click to expand...

Kudos, thanks!

Are you able to determine 'eye clean' from the diamond image they post? I'm sure it is always best practice to ask the vendor to determine as well.
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

cmnova04|1370465625|3459630 said:
Niel|1370462212|3459598 said:
Here's another bgblue h that's a bit budget friendly. Seems eye clean so that's good. Just in case the other one isn't.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.211-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812016
Click to expand...

Kudos, thanks!

Are you able to determine 'eye clean' from the diamond image they post? I'm sure it is always best practice to ask the vendor to determine as well.
Click to expand...

I would always ask the vendors opinion on 'eye cleanliness'
 
Re: Help a newbie picking a loose round diamond for an e-rin

Wondering how these BGS diamonds compare to the BG Blues as they are significantly less expensive, albeit less carats. Appreciate any feedback.

1.220 H SI1 Select Round
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.220-h-si1-round-diamond-gia-45243800

1.180 H VS2 Select Round (has no report or images so not sure anyone can say anything about this right now)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.180-h-vs2-round-diamond-gia-38773852
 
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