Help - finding a matched pair of 1.2 round 'ideals'

[2carrotplus]

For my wife's 25th wedding anniversary I am trying to upgrade her gorgeous solitaire engagement ring.
She has a round GIA XXX 2.41 ct. D. It's a lovely lively H & A stone mounted on platinum.

My idea is to mount 2 matching stones each side.
Proportion wise, I (think) 2 stones with a 6.8 mm spread each would probably look the most balanced set up.
(Main stone is 8.73 spread)

So I am seeking 2 matched stones:
c. 1.2 ct.
G (or maybe F) colour,
SI1 or VS2,
'True' Ideal with nice H & A,
c. 6.8 mm spread,
No fluorescence,
Particular quality desired is good 'fire.'
Table 55 or 56,
Crn. c. 35 preferred.

Anyone out there have any good suggestions ! ?

Thank you.

 

[tyty333]

I hope she has large fingers! That's a whole lot of bling! What size is she?

What is your budget?

 

[tyty333]

Have you seen this 3 stone ratio chart? It uses a 1.5 carat center which should be around 7.4mm.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I have a 2.53 center stone with .33 each side stones. I agree that 1.2 side stones would make a huge ring with her center stone. Are these sizes something she has asked for or would be comfortable with on the finger?

 

[2carrotplus]

I hope she has large fingers! That's a whole lot of bling! What size is she?

What is your budget?

She's size N - budget is basically the going rate for a 1.2 XXX G VS2.

 

[2carrotplus]

I have a 2.53 center stone with .33 each side stones. I agree that 1.2 side stones would make a huge ring with her center stone. Are these sizes something she has asked for or would be comfortable with on the finger?

When I approached the jeweller, I suggested 0.75 ct. stones to sit each side of the 2.41 ct. stone. However he said the ring would look out of proportion unless we went up to 1.1 to 1.3 ct. So this is why I am looking at 1.2. I believe I can source better diamonds by doing it myself (have sourced stones for friends before, and I know a fair bit about rounds.) And so - this is why I am looking at diamonds of this size - but I am more than happy to save money... as long as the ring looks "balanced" and the stones are top drawer. N.B. My wife's finger is size N - so not too small. Pic below:

 

[2carrotplus]

Have you seen this 3 stone ratio chart? It uses a 1.5 carat center which should be around 7.4mm.

Thank you. Interesting.
It seems there are different views about balance / proportion out there.
My jeweller just said stones this size are too small.
But I'm still open minded. It's just hard to find images to give me an idea of what looks right or wrong. So am happy to listen !

 

[elizat]

Thank you. Interesting.
It seems there are different views about balance / proportion out there.
My jeweller just said stones this size are too small.
But I'm still open minded. It's just hard to find images to give me an idea of what looks right or wrong. So am happy to listen !

With the side stones you are considering as far as size, it's going to look like a wall of diamonds. You are not going to be able to delineate much difference in the size. I think from any distance it's going to become more band like. I would do smaller side stones.

I think from a standpoint of traditional ratios where it is more a band look, the recommendation was probably made.

 

[tyty333]

Well, I disagree with your jeweler. After looking at several 3 stone threads....looks like what is most popular is somewhere in the
low 60%. It allows for the center stone to still stand out while giving you nice finger coverage. Of course, this number changes with
the size of the center stone. The smaller the center stone, the easier it is to go with a higher percentage. With a larger center stone... people tend to go down on the percentage.

Is your wife more of "the bigger the better", or do you think she'd be more conservative and like the sides in a nice proportion?
(neither is wrong).

FYI...I had to look it up, Size N = 6 3/4

Here is a thread on someone trying to figure out what they wanted in a 3 stone. Its with a 4 carat main stone so doesn't completely
relate but if you have time might be worth a read.

At what size does a 3-stone lose it's lovely aesthetic?

I think with a big center stone, you need big side stones. I think side stones that are too small look off. Smaller sides are more of a "cutesy" look, but not elegant IMO. Your BIL'S sister's ring is gorgeous and looks like the sides are a good size.

www.pricescope.com

I think if you still want a lot of bling but what a good proportion I would stay in the .8ish (6mm range) but you do what you think
your wife would like best!

2.4 with 1.2 ...more like a band like @elizat pointed out (here is the relative size difference)


3 stone with smaller side stones (lets you see the center a little more)

 

[2carrotplus]

Well, I disagree with your jeweler. After looking at several 3 stone threads....looks like what is most popular is somewhere in the
low 60%. It allows for the center stone to still stand out while giving you nice finger coverage. Of course, this number changes with
the size of the center stone. The smaller the center stone, the easier it is to go with a higher percentage. With a larger center stone... people tend to go down on the percentage.

Is your wife more of "the bigger the better", or do you think she'd be more conservative and like the sides in a nice proportion?
(neither is wrong).

FYI...I had to look it up, Size N = 6 3/4

Here is a thread on someone trying to figure out what they wanted in a 3 stone. Its with a 4 carat main stone so doesn't completely
relate but if you have time might be worth a read.

At what size does a 3-stone lose it's lovely aesthetic?

I think with a big center stone, you need big side stones. I think side stones that are too small look off. Smaller sides are more of a "cutesy" look, but not elegant IMO. Your BIL'S sister's ring is gorgeous and looks like the sides are a good size.

www.pricescope.com

I think if you still want a lot of bling but what a good proportion I would stay in the .8ish (6mm range) but you do what you think
your wife would like best!

2.4 with 1.2 ...more like a band like @elizat pointed out (here is the relative size difference)


3 stone with smaller side stones (lets you see the center a little more)

Thank you - this is all very helpful to know about and understand.

 

[2carrotplus]

With the side stones you are considering as far as size, it's going to look like a wall of diamonds. You are not going to be able to delineate much difference in the size. I think from any distance it's going to become more band like. I would do smaller side stones.

I think from a standpoint of traditional ratios where it is more a band look, the recommendation was probably made.

Thank you - very helpful to know.

 

[LLJsmom]

To get an idea of proportion and size of sides, go through this thread that consolidates 3 stone rings. You'll get a better idea of what 1.2 sides with a 2.41 would actually look like. Incidentally that is almost exactly the size of my ring. I have a 2.47 center with 1.11 and 1.2 sides (same face up measurement on sides). I have an even smaller ring size, 5. And it is a big look, which is fine if that is what you are looking for. It's more a three stone look where the center is NOT emphasized. Rather, it's the look of the entire ring. If you want your center to POP, you will want smaller sides as mentioned by posters above.

3-stone ring Girls - are you out there?

Beautiful profile... love the petals. Exactly!!

www.pricescope.com

Is this what you want, although your wife's ring size is bigger? She's a 6.75 while mine is 5.

 

[MissGotRocks]

You have a lot of good info here to sort through. Your jeweler may be trying to upsell you too. I am just afraid your wife might be uncomfortable with those proportions but maybe not - you know her best. Three stone rings either accent the center stone or like LLJmom’s ring, really pack a punch. Just depends on the look you are going for but she is the one wearing it everyday so make sure it is a look that she would be comfortable with for sure.

 

[tyty333]

Come back and let us know what look you are after then we can help you with some side stones.

 

[2carrotplus]

Come back and let us know what look you are after then we can help you with some side stones.

Thank you everyone - I will give this more thought !

 

[sledge]

For a quick minute, ignore the carat weights. Now look at the picture that @tyty333 posted in post #3 and what RATIO do you like, and most importantly, think your wife will like?

I prefer the 62%. It allows the center store to be the star of the show, while adding some additional bling. Like most things in life, it's all about balance.

Knowing the RATIO then allows you to convert to the right size of side stones that best compliments her center stone. To me, this is a better way than trusting a biased jeweler. No real shocker he wanted you to buy stones twice as large, lol.

Also, keep in mind that carat weight is a function of length, width and depth. It's a horrible measure of size. Instead look at the spread dimensions. And remember, the exact proportions (table size, crown angle, pavilion angle, etc) will effect how that carat weight is pushed around (in the horizontal plane for a larger spread, or the vertical plane for smaller spread, etc).

Out of curiosity, where did you purchase the center stone from? Most H&A stones are AGS. Although WF has a H&A line with 3X certs if that's important to you.

Lastly, just a side note, but you indicated NO fluor. AGS reports as "negligible". GIA has a none & faint. Recently I saw a post where the buyer was very particular about this and wouldn't accept negligible. Not sure where you stand on the matter.

 

[2carrotplus]

For a quick minute, ignore the carat weights. Now look at the picture that @tyty333 posted in post #3 and what RATIO do you like, and most importantly, think your wife will like?

I prefer the 62%. It allows the center store to be the star of the show, while adding some additional bling. Like most things in life, it's all about balance.

Knowing the RATIO then allows you to convert to the right size of side stones that best compliments her center stone. To me, this is a better way than trusting a biased jeweler. No real shocker he wanted you to buy stones twice as large, lol.

Also, keep in mind that carat weight is a function of length, width and depth. It's a horrible measure of size. Instead look at the spread dimensions. And remember, the exact proportions (table size, crown angle, pavilion angle, etc) will effect how that carat weight is pushed around (in the horizontal plane for a larger spread, or the vertical plane for smaller spread, etc).

Out of curiosity, where did you purchase the center stone from? Most H&A stones are AGS. Although WF has a H&A line with 3X certs if that's important to you.

Lastly, just a side note, but you indicated NO fluor. AGS reports as "negligible". GIA has a none & faint. Recently I saw a post where the buyer was very particular about this and wouldn't accept negligible. Not sure where you stand on the matter.

The stone came from Dennie Reinke about 10+ years ago. It is a good stone, but being 'critical' it could do with just a touch more fire. So I wanted to assist that by having side stones that tick that box.

What you say makes good sense here.

And as far as negligible is concerned, it is mis-leading. It leaves you thinking it is faint - and that can fractionally change the colour. So only an issue if stone matching - which I am... So if buying blind I would 'prefer' to buy with none. This is where AGS could be better. I also know that 'very occasionally' AGS grade colour one increment lighter than GIA - so need to bear that in mind slightly too.

I am aware of spread etc v ct. weight etc.
Having now viewed lots of pictures, I am thinking of doing what the majority favour which is to leave the star of the show to shine. So thinking in the realms of between 0.45 to 0.80 - but narrowing down that not so little detail is fast becoming my prime focus now...

BTW is a 62% ratio - simply the ratio of face up 'surface area' difference of the stones, or have I got that wrong ?

Cheers.

 

[ringo865]

Sounds like your jeweler is saying that the stones in the sizes you like are too small *for him* (as the seller who stands to make more $ if you buy bigger….) just sayin’

Here is a 7.5 mm flanked by 5 mm on a 6.5 size finger. The red lines are ~22 mm apart, so you can see where the sizes you listed in your first post would end up.

 

[2carrotplus]

Thank you for all these helpful replies. I have checked the threads suggested most carefully - and I think I the right balance for me is going to be in the .4 ct. arena. Which is conveniently much easier to afford. ...So we be able to afford an additional holiday to produce said completed article !!!

 

[tyty333]

Well, ok then!

.4ish carat stones...these are AGS 000 H&A stones

E

Diamond | 0.403 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4311082

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.403 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4311082

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.402 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405784

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.402 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4405784

www.whiteflash.com

D

Diamond | 0.408 ct D VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4410661

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.408 carat D color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4410661

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.408 ct D VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405805

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.408 carat D color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4405805

www.whiteflash.com

F - there are 17 F stones in the range you are looking for. I would call WF and ask them to pick out the 2 best matching stones and
let you know what they are.

Round Cut Diamonds: Discover Our Brilliant Selection

View our wide selection of Round Cut Diamonds. Choose your ideal diamond combining quality, price, 4cs and more.

www.whiteflash.com

I wouldn't drop down to a G if you don't have to. We usually recommend staying within 2 color steps of your main stone to keep
from seeing any major color differences.

3 stone settings

Butterflies 3 Stone Engagement Ring | 230

Capture the beauty of nature with our Butterflies 3 Stone Engagement Ring. A stunning symbol of love and transformation. Shop now! | 230

www.whiteflash.com

3-Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring | 1025

3-Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring. Love's past, present, and future elegantly captured in three stones. | 1025

www.whiteflash.com

Trois Brillant Diamond Engagement Ring | 1426

Shine bright with our Trois Brillant Diamond Engagement Ring. Three stunning diamonds set in a classic design. Perfect for your forever love. | 1426

www.whiteflash.com

Vatche X-Prong 3 Stone Engagement Ring | 2816

Elevate your proposal with the stunning Vatche X-Prong 3 Stone Engagement Ring. A timeless design that will take her breath away. | 2816

www.whiteflash.com

You can also ask WF if they have a 2.4 stone to put the stones you pick next to it so you can see if its the size you want or not.

 

[2carrotplus]

Well, ok then!

.4ish carat stones...these are AGS 000 H&A stones

E

Diamond | 0.403 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4311082

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.403 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4311082

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.402 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405784

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.402 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4405784

www.whiteflash.com

D

Diamond | 0.408 ct D VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4410661

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.408 carat D color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4410661

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.408 ct D VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4405805

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.408 carat D color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4405805

www.whiteflash.com

F - there are 17 F stones in the range you are looking for. I would call WF and ask them to pick out the 2 best matching stones and
let you know what they are.

Round Cut Diamonds: Discover Our Brilliant Selection

View our wide selection of Round Cut Diamonds. Choose your ideal diamond combining quality, price, 4cs and more.

www.whiteflash.com

I wouldn't drop down to a G if you don't have to. We usually recommend staying within 2 color steps of your main stone to keep
from seeing any major color differences.

3 stone settings

Butterflies 3 Stone Engagement Ring | 230

Capture the beauty of nature with our Butterflies 3 Stone Engagement Ring. A stunning symbol of love and transformation. Shop now! | 230

www.whiteflash.com

3-Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring | 1025

3-Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring. Love's past, present, and future elegantly captured in three stones. | 1025

www.whiteflash.com

Trois Brillant Diamond Engagement Ring | 1426

Shine bright with our Trois Brillant Diamond Engagement Ring. Three stunning diamonds set in a classic design. Perfect for your forever love. | 1426

www.whiteflash.com

Vatche X-Prong 3 Stone Engagement Ring | 2816

Elevate your proposal with the stunning Vatche X-Prong 3 Stone Engagement Ring. A timeless design that will take her breath away. | 2816

www.whiteflash.com

You can also ask WF if they have a 2.4 stone to put the stones you pick next to it so you can see if its the size you want or not.

EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you for this.