#TBT Help finding a diamond/setting - budget ~5k

[Gypsy]

It all looks great to me.

I wouldn't be worried about very worried in the least about the lack of IS personally. You can buy one yourself for like 25 bucks and check it out after the fact.

The setting looks GREAT. I really like the pear sides and I think that since they are haloed the size is just fine! The proportions look wonderful.

Overall.... it's going to be amazing.

 

[smilligan]

Thanks, Gypsy. That makes me feel better. It's easy for me to get caught up in the details. Sometimes I need someone to point out the bigger picture. Overall, I'm really excited about the setting. I just want to make sure that everything is perfect since I won't be able to return it if I buy it through Pearlman's.

 

[jramy278]

Thanks for updating! I've been watching your thread as we are also in the process or working with Pearlmans on a Ritani ring, and have had the same questions about the lack of diamond imagery tools etc. Of course I realize That Pearlmans have a lot of experience, I'm sure it's just the newbie in me that worries. Do update this thread once your diamond has been checked out and let us know how it goes! Thanks

 

[Niel]

Wow you could get haloed side stone in your budget? That's amazing.

Good news is your not buying an asscher or marquise. You're buying a round. Those, if your specific about your angles, are something you can buy site unseen if you have to.

 

[smilligan]

Np, jramy278. I think I've actually seen your thread, as well. I'm extremely OCD when it comes to buying gifts, so believe me when I say that I've asked about a million questions to both Ritani and Pearlman's. And have confirmed a lot of them on PS, lol. I will be sure to post pics/info when I get it.

Niel - I ended up about $500 over budget, but it's still a lot less than I would have spent retail. I ended up getting a great deal for the setting and the changes I made (namely removing the diamonds under the gallery) actually made the ring cost less. It took some work and a lot of help, but I'm glad that I held out.

 

[Niel]

Np, jramy278. I think I've actually seen your thread, as well. I'm extremely OCD when it comes to buying gifts, so believe me when I say that I've asked about a million questions to both Ritani and Pearlman's. And have confirmed a lot of them on PS, lol. I will be sure to post pics/info when I get it.

Niel - I ended up about $500 over budget, but it's still a lot less than I would have spent retail. I ended up getting a great deal for the setting and the changes I made (namely removing the diamonds under the gallery) actually made the ring cost less. It took some work and a lot of help, but I'm glad that I held out.

That's awesome. She's going to be just blown away. Hopefully she can get a yes out and she isn't completely speechless!

 

[smilligan]

Thanks. Even if she can't manage to form the word "yes", I'm hoping that the answer will be written all over her face.

 

[Niel]

Thanks. Even if she can't manage to form the word "yes", I'm hoping that the answer will be written all over her face.

Does she know you didnt go with that GOG one? have you talked to her about this one? Or will it be a surprise? I hope she thinks shes getting one she only kinda likes and then BOOM lol... thats the sneaky way i do surprises

 

[smilligan]

She doesn't know. I showed her a picture of the original Ritani setting a while ago and she absolutely loved it. I told her that it was too expensive and that I was just showing it to her as a reference for the perfect ring (which was true at the time). So, she thinks that I'm deciding between the Verragio and one or two of the Gabriel rings. She has no idea that I'm going with the Ritani. She also doesn't know that the sides will be pears. We saw a three stone ring with pear sides at a local jeweler and she fell in love, so I know that she'll appreciate that little detail. I think the customized Ritani will give her the best of both worlds.

 

[Niel]

How sweet. Can't wait to see and here how she likes it. You put a lot of work into it and it shows.

I hope she doesn't have to wait too long once you get it.

 

[smilligan]

Neither can I. thanks. She's the most important person in my life and she deserves something that's just as special. I want to give her a ring that she will love forever, not just in the moment. She won't have to wait too long. It'll probably take ~3 weeks to make and I plan on proposing around Christmas (cliche, I know ). Of course, to her I'm sure it seems like a lifetime. Patience is not one of her virtues, lol.

 

[smilligan]

Hey, all. Sorry for the delay. I just heard back from Pearlman's this morning. Their photographer was out yesterday, so he couldn't do anything with the stone. Also, this is my week on for work (this is my last night), so I've been doing my 12 hour shifts. Anyway, Julian sent me a couple of pics and a link to a short video which doesn't really show much, IMO. He stated that the stone is very brilliant, faces up nice and white for an I color, and that it is completely eye clean. I responded asking at what distance the inclusions become visible and for better photos/videos showing the fire/brilliance in different lighting conditions. I also asked if the stone is an H&A because the picture looks really off, symmetrically. It could just be the angle, though. I'm still waiting for a response on that one. I've also been talking with Ritani about adding some filigree to the gallery on the setting. They are going to draw me up some new CADs, but it will probably take a few days because they are backed up. I'll post again when I get more information.

As a side note: Ritani has the best customer service ever! They have accommodated my every whim/desire without question thus far. They have also responded quickly to every email sent (sometimes 10-15 mins) and have answered my endless stream of questions without a second thought. They have quoted and re-quoted me for each change I request and seem more than happy to provide me with manufacturer renderings of whatever I want. If anyone plans on buying a Ritani setting, I highly recommend working directly with them and then sending the order to the jeweler.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7opZjvsb8n8&feature=youtu.be

 

[Gypsy]

Those are artistic. And useless.

I really think you are fine. If you want a picture though... just have them take one head on. Mug shot.

 

[smilligan]

Those are artistic. And useless.

I really think you are fine. If you want a picture though... just have them take one head on. Mug shot.

I thought pretty much the same thing, lol. When I asked for pictures, I assumed they knew that I wanted something practical. I'll do that. I just want some regular pics/video since I can't see it in person.

 

[smilligan]

Hey, all. I heard back from Julian earlier. He said that the stone is eye clean to him when looking through the table as close as his eyes can focus. He also said that the inclusion is fairly easy to see from 4-5 inches away when looking through the pavilion (which is fine). He managed to take some slightly blurry IS photos using a hand held IS and a camera. The stone looks great as far as symmetry, but it looks like there is leakage from the pavillion? The center looks clear to me. I sent him an email asking if he could confirm what I'm seeing and also if he could send me some "mugshots" of the stone against a white background. What does everyone think about the IS images? Am I crazy or is this thing leaking light?







I also heard back from Ritani. Marina (the rep I've been working with) said that she spoke with the designer and he is able to add any type of filigree I want. Unfortunately, because of the way the ring is shaped, it wouldn't be visible from the profile view with a wedding band (this is something I asked about specifically). She said that it could be made to work, but it would have to be completely redesigned. Since the filigree I showed her was pretty ornate, I responded by asking if a simpler design would work.

 

[Gypsy]

there may be leakage, but the stone is titled, so that could be the reason for it.

 

[smilligan]

there may be leakage, but the stone is titled, so that could be the reason for it.

Do you think it's worth asking for new pics? If it is leakage, do you think it's enough to return the stone?

 

[teobdl]

ok, so im going to go back to ritani.. .

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/three-stone-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-palladium/4812

this in palladium is like, what 2600, they have it listed in 18k for 3200? Ask them to do it for you in 14k white gold and its probably around 3k... ask them to make that for you in 14k

i have had a ritani white 14k unplated white gold. it was so white you would never have to get it plated.

they have a lot of stones that would work but this is the one id inquire about, being the size it is and the fact its in a halo, i dont think the color is an issue, but theyll ship it to a local store so you can see it!

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-70-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-Z2FS13

OP, the Ritani ring will be of better workmanship/quality than the Gabriel rings. I would also agree with Niel about their unplated WG -- it's just the best decision on a budget. Unless she absolutely has to have platinum for whatever reason, then I don't think I'd tie up money in it that could be used for a better center stone. I think she would be blown away with it!

FWIW, the Ritani ring Niel posted is my favorite of the ones listed, and this is why:
1) you know she loves the style because it's almost identical to those she loved
2) they offer an alloy of WG that doesn't have to be plated -- ever. <--- HUGE plus in my book!
3) it will be better quality than the Gabriel settings
4) you can always have Ritani add a little something to the ring (although the pave will not be seen with a wedding band)
5) it's a big look with the halo
6) with all of the positives listed above, it's still in the budget!!

I just spoke with ritani--they said that the base metal for their white gold is whiter because the white gold allow is made with palladium; however "all white gold does require replating"

Also, I was told that they do not sell unplated white gold... hmmm, maybe Neil wants to chime in (I think your Ritani was unplated!).

 

[Niel]

I purchased mine though a local vendor. They sent my stone to ritani for the mount. I was very explicit I wanted unplated 14k white. Maybe they don't strait from them, but even my appraisal said unplated per request. Also, to my eye.

And in general I disagree with the idea you "have to " plate white gold. No you don't. You have to plate it if you want it to look like rhodium. But white gold is still white and you do not need to plate it to keep it white. Its not yellow gold with a white coating.

 

[smilligan]

I purchased mine though a local vendor. They sent my stone to ritani for the mount. I was very explicit I wanted unplated 14k white. Maybe they don't strait from them, but even my appraisal said unplated per request. Also, to my eye.

And in general I disagree with the idea you "have to " plate white gold. No you don't. You have to plate it if you want it to look like rhodium. But white gold is still white and you do not need to plate it to keep it white. Its not yellow gold with a white coating.

I agree. It may be less "shiny" without plating, but it will still be white. And I'm pretty sure that they will make it unplated if you ask. They just don't sell it that way. Every Ritani piece is made to order, so they will make it the way you want.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't know at this point on the mater of the stone.

The pics were.. artistic. The IS is tilted. I'd probably wait to see it in person.

 

[smilligan]

New IS photo is in. I asked Julian to take another using the steps listed in the following link: http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.taking_IS_photos.asp

I think it turned out better. What do y'all think of the new pic? He also made a new video, though it still doesn't show much - http://youtu.be/uN6_OeHBj0o

At this point, I'm torn. The specs are great and it looks pretty good in the photos, but I can't really evaluate the fire/dispersion. Idk if it's just the pics/video or if it's the stone. I asked if he would take a comparison video with an AGS 000 (if he has one in stock). I've also asked him to see if any new AGS 000 stones have become available up to $3k. I really don't want to start the search over, but I'm not willing to "settle" for something that I feel is less than perfect. I know that I'm probably being difficult, but this is a very important decision for me...and my SO. Advice?

 

[Niel]

I'd do it. Look good.

 

[smilligan]

Am I overthinking this? I have a tendency to do that, lol. I've been comparing the last IS photo to branded ideal cuts and non-branded AGS 000 and they look very similar. I'm not 100% sure about the video, but again, it seems to compare fairly well to some other videos.

 

[smilligan]

I'd do it. Look good.

Thanks, Niel. You're input is always welcome and appreciated.

 

[Niel]

I think you might be slightly overthinking it

Is it a branded h&a? No. But its well cut eye clean and a nice color and oh 6mm to boot. And the total package they are offering seems exactly what she wants. I think its really the best value for what you're trying to do.

 

[smilligan]

I think you might be slightly overthinking it

Is it a branded h&a? No. But its well cut eye clean and a nice color and oh 6mm to boot. And the total package they are offering seems exactly what she wants. I think its really the best value for what you're trying to do.

Thanks. I think so, too. I'm being a little too picky at this point.

 

[Niel]

I would just triple check with then its eye clean and not cloudy or anything.

 

[Gypsy]

Am I overthinking this? I have a tendency to do that, lol. I've been comparing the last IS photo to branded ideal cuts and non-branded AGS 000 and they look very similar. I'm not 100% sure about the video, but again, it seems to compare fairly well to some other videos.

Yup. A little. New IS is great. I'd go for it.

 

[smilligan]

Am I overthinking this? I have a tendency to do that, lol. I've been comparing the last IS photo to branded ideal cuts and non-branded AGS 000 and they look very similar. I'm not 100% sure about the video, but again, it seems to compare fairly well to some other videos.

Yup. A little. New IS is great. I'd go for it.

Thanks. It's good to get reassurance from experts that don't stand to profit from my purchase.

Niel - it is eye clean (to my standards, at least). It also looks very clear and white. The only other thing I want to see is how it reacts in spot and/or dim lighting.