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Help me find a wonderful ring for a wonderful gal:)

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Chi-amiGal

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 9, 2009
Messages
46
Hey Guys:)

(sorry for the length; if you scroll down, you'll see my numbered questions and can skip the back story lol).

About a year and a half ago, I used Pricescope to learn about diamonds, engagement rings, etc. so my fiance and I could rest assured in what we chose. I passed most of the info to my fiance, who eventually proposed-and I now have a beautiful ring that-to me(us)- symbolizes the amount of hard work it took not only in finding a ring- but in the relationship itself (we've been together about 7 years but were were living in separate states for a whole year the whole time we were thinking of an engagement).

During my time spent away from my fiance (in Chicago to be specific), I became friends with an amazing gal, and her lovely boyfriend. Eventually, I moved back to the state my fiance lives in (FL), though my friend and I have remained just as close (they even visted us in FL after I moved back down). I'm also extrmely excited and honored because she's one of my bridesmaids for my upcoming wedding- and despite the long distance- she's been able to help me with much of those plans.

Getting to the fun part: A few days ago- we got in touch regarding looking around for an engagement ring- for her. Yay!!! :bigsmile: I know she's done some preliminary research, but I think we all know how much info there is and how confusing it can all be (unfortunately). I definitely mentioned how cut is very important when looking at the diamond in particular. All this being said- she did find a ring online- which she says she keeps going back to (link below). I know what primarily draws her to the ring is actually the setting-moreso than the stone (it's an ornate, Tacori-esque setting- very very pretty.). It seems like she is very interested in this ring, though I did mention to her that it was important to take into consideration the diamond as well- and that maybe she should look into getting a setting/ stone separately. (?)

Since this was on Christmas Eve, we had to cut short the conversation :(- and with our busy schedules, and being 1,500 miles away, AND trying to plan a wedding/ get into grad school.....I'm not sure how much time we'll be able to spend searching around together/ how much info/ feedback I'll be able to give.... (I'm only on here to post every once in a while).

BUT I definitely want to help her- and I want her to find something she'll love. I know the whole process can be kind of a personal thing-though I think her and her fiance definitely want to make a sound financial decision in regards to the quality/ worth of the ring.

I figured the best thing I could do (as someone already familiar with this site/ the process)- is create a post on here...to start her out. It can kind of be a condensed quick reference/ suggestion page. I know there are SO SO many more people on this forum that can really impart a lot of wisdom and help her out - MUCH more specifically than I can.:) And probably sooner/ more often than I can too.

She gave me the okay- so I'll go ahead and post the ring she likes, as much as I know- and perhaps you guys can chime in & give suggestions. I'm thinking she'll also get around to creating an account so she can respond directly.:). I know how complicated the process can seem- from finding a very particular setting, to simply learning about what makes for a "good" diamond, to making the decision on what sacrifices you have to make . For example: she was wondering if an I color diamond is okay? I think I said something like, "Well- if the cut's great, it's going to sparkle, and THAT's what's usually eye-catching- but of course- if you have an ideal cut D and an ideal cut I- you may favor that colorless stone....but that's where those little sacrifices come in." ;)) And even with that being said- I have seen some GORGEOUS I colored stones on here... :twirl:

*******************************************
Anyway- I think what could be helpful in particular, at this moment- would be information on three specific things:

1.The setting- I know she loves it, so If anyone on here could give input regarding the specific ring she's looking at, or if they could suggest similar settings, that would be great.


2. Radiant and cushion cuts (two cuts I think she's interested in, which I'm not very familiar with to be honest)- if anyone can throw out some information/ recommend some sites/ jewelers/ even specific stones or member pictures for reference- I'm sure that would help her. (probably a few examples of a beautiful 1 ct, 1.5 ct, maybe 2 ct with pertinent info...) *Also- one thing I did recognize- which I forgot to recommend to her at the time was GIA or AGS certification- I'm guessing you guys will all recommend this as well.

3. Maybe quick links, or help with cut and color. (I know I've seen so many threads on this, but it'll probably be good just to throw em on this thread so it's readily available).

That's all I've got for now. I realize a lot of this info is here among the thousands of pages of threads in pricescope, but, like I said- it can be daunting to sort through, and even I'm not quite sure what to look for with those specific cuts. Hopefully this helps her out a bit...

I only wish I could be up in Chicago to help her more in person....To my amazing friend- if you end up reading this- you deserve nothing but the best in every facet of life- and I hope you find something as special as you are.


The ring she keeps coming back to:
http://wserve.info/~lioridia/client/index.php?cid=2&sid=7&ssid=1&sssid=0&pid=599



Thank you guys so much for your help!!!
 
I noticed the diamond in your link was graded by UGL.
May I recommend you stick with diamonds graded by GIA or AGS?
Their grades are the most reliable, consistent and believable.
Most other labs give grades that are higher, so you think you are getting a good deal when comparing prices to stones graded by GIA or AGS.

A diamond sent to GIA or AGS receiving a clarity grade of SI1, may get VS1 or even higher from other labs.
This means you are not getting the better deal you think you are getting by buying those stones.
In fact you don't really know WHAT you're getting.
 
Do you know the budget for the diamond and the setting?
What about the color, is she color sensitive?
Is eye clean ok or does she want a vs2 or better?
 
Thank you for the wonderful things you have said. We could not have a better friend than in you for your friendship and help.
 
Thanks for the replies. The comment on the AGS and GIA has helped alot. I don't think I am going to go with this ring for that reason and since I have learned that it is clarity enhanced. Which I'm not familiar with what clarity enhanced means, but i don't like the sound of it.

The criteria I am looking for in a ring are as followed:

Price Range $4,000 or less.

GIA or AGS certified.

The Color I am looking for are in the range D-I. I would prefer a higher color but if I can find an I color with a great cut and it doesn't look off white or cloudy with the bare eye i am fine with that. Or if the ring has Florescence that enhances the color to make it look clearer. A question about florescence, I read that you should only want florescence for a stone with a G or lower color because it can take away from a more brilliant color stone. Is this true?

The Cut Ideal to Good.

Eye Clean. Clarity VS2 and higher. I'm ok with a SI1 or SI2 if the inclusions are not visible with the bare eye and are located on the side, bottom or cut so that they are less noticeable.

The shapes that I like are radiant, cushion, round or princess. I'm not that concerned with shape, I'd rather have a stone with better quality. A question I do have about radiant and cushion cuts, I read that the girdle should be thin to medium in size. What exactly does that mean and why?

Size range 1.00 to 2.00 carats. We have looked in person and I like the way the 1.50 looks the most. But i can definitely get used to something larger :D

The settings I like are all Tacori inspired with engraving, pave and/or sidestones that look beautiful from both the sides and above. i love the detail that goes into a Tacori ring. I also like the partial eternity band settings. I have changed my opinion on the importance of the setting. I would rather have a great stone than setting. I feel that I can always change the setting. With that said I am also ok with a solitaire setting.
 
Hi AllisonNwill,
Welcome to the forum. :wavey:

You can find out more about clarity enhancement HERE

I'm glad you're not going with that ring. There were just too many red flags to it and the vendor.

Now that you've found Pricescope, the many experts here will be able to help you find your perfect stone and perfect setting.

To start, go to the diamond search function HERE and have a play around.

You might need to adjust your requirements to be slightly more in line with your budget, but a beautiful diamond is definately possible.

Mac
 
Hi again Allison,

It sounds from what you said above that size/carat weight is quite important to you - you do know that radiants and cushions generally face up smaller than rounds and princesses? (Forgive me if you already knew that).

I had a bit of a look around for you and couldn’t really come up with much that fits your criteria & your budget.

So I had an idea that if instead of looking for higher colour, you went the opposite and dropped the colour waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down, like S-T or U-V, you would have a noticeably yellow stone, and if you play up the side stones or halo to like F approx, you would have a gorgeous light yellow diamond ring instead of traditional “high colour” and would be easier to maximize the size you want.

To give you an idea of what it would look like see HERE

I found this 1.61 U-V SI1 Diamond (7.44 - 7.52 x 4.58 mm) that is within your budget that you could do a simple 3 stone or halo temporary setting with, until you save up to get the setting of your dreams (and it scores 1.8 on HCA so should be an excellent performing stone, but you need to ask for more details to be sure)

Or there is this 1.81 U-V VS1 Radiant (6.80 x 6.68 x 4.32 mm) that’s a little bit more and would probably mean you would need to set it as a solitaire to stay within budget .

If you don’t like the idea of going really low colour, then here’s an I colour 1.21 Radiant that is within your budget but again would probably need to be set solitaire to stay under the $4k.

Hope this helps (If it doesn't then ignore it)
Mac
 
I think you will need to narrow your parameters in order to start searching for your diamond. There is a huge price difference between the D to I range. Before considering diamonds that are at the yellow end of the scale, please look at some in person. Some people like them, but others do not. These will have a yellow cast without being in the fancy yellow category. There is also a big difference between ideal and good cut. Good cut does not mean that the diamond will look good. I wouldn't drop any lower than very good. Ideal is at the top of the cutting range. I think it would help if you read the PS tutorials and learn more about diamonds. It will help you to prioritize what is important to you and make your search easier :))
 
Kelpie and Mac,

Thank your for the many new options.

I never thought of going with a darker center stone with a lighter trillion side stones it looks beautiful!!!. It's definitely a new option. I do like colored stones. I've been considering even going with a Saphire center stone with diamond trillions. I found a few I like from dimend scassi. Here is a link.

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/readytowear/pages/1B1B-S.asp
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/3stone/pages/1CB.asp

Any advice on where to find something like this in my price range?

The james allen diamonds are beautiful!! I have been searching for diamonds that are similiar to these. But I haven't found any quite as clear. I have been looking as James Allen, Fey & Co. and Dimend Scassi for diamonds that are 1.20 carats, ranging in color from H-J, VS2 and higher clarity, Excellent to good cuts. Here are a few examples of what I have found. Mac can you explain the difference in appearance. I thought these were nice but after seeing your choices I'm not so sure.

Here are a few links that I have found:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Premium-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1347988.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1203570.asp
http://www.feyjewelers.com/diamond/229043
http://www.feyjewelers.com/diamond/323417
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/diamonds/diamondDetail.asp?stockNum=3228355990
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/diamonds/diamondDetail.asp?stockNum=1973202089

I have an appointment today to go to Fey & Co. to see a few diamonds I have selected online. We are located in the Chicago land area, so it is great to be able to go see the diamonds in person. I'll post the ones I like after the appointment today.

Thanks again for the great advice. As for my search criteria. I basically am looking for the best quality and size stone in my price range. From what I have seen so far in person I like the way the 1.50 carat looks the most on my hand, but I am ok with a smaller or larger carat. In a diamond I want it to look eye clean and sparkle. Unless it is a colored stone then I just want it to sparkle. As for my price range I could stretch it to $4,500 for absolutely beautiful ring. I hope this makes sense.

I'm not familiar with how to make links on this database. I hope they work : )
 
Hi all!!

I just got back from Fey & Co. After looking at 6 diamonds, I found a diamond that I like to consider. It is a Radiant Cut, 1.27 carat, J color, VS1. The cost is $4285.00. The cost is over budget. The diamond will have to be set in a solitaire setting. Does anyone have any opinions? Sorry there's no picture.

I did decide that I definitely like the rectangular radiant cut over the other shapes because my fingers are kinda long.
 
ALLLLLISOOOOOOON!!!

I was in the middle of typing a new reply here...but I'm going to call you right now instead!!!!!! LOL.
 
Thanks for the reply athenaworth. I'm pretty new to the diamond search and I appreciate all the help I can get. What does AVC stand for?
 
allisonNwill|1293641652|2808939 said:
Kelpie and Mac,

Thank your for the many new options.

I never thought of going with a darker center stone with a lighter trillion side stones it looks beautiful!!!. It's definitely a new option. I do like colored stones. I've been considering even going with a Saphire center stone with diamond trillions. I found a few I like from dimend scassi. Here is a link.

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/readytowear/pages/1B1B-S.asp
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/3stone/pages/1CB.asp

Any advice on where to find something like this in my price range?

The james allen diamonds are beautiful!! I have been searching for diamonds that are similiar to these. But I haven't found any quite as clear. I have been looking as James Allen, Fey & Co. and Dimend Scassi for diamonds that are 1.20 carats, ranging in color from H-J, VS2 and higher clarity, Excellent to good cuts. Here are a few examples of what I have found. Mac can you explain the difference in appearance. I thought these were nice but after seeing your choices I'm not so sure.

Here are a few links that I have found:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Premium-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1347988.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1203570.asp
http://www.feyjewelers.com/diamond/229043
http://www.feyjewelers.com/diamond/323417
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/diamonds/diamondDetail.asp?stockNum=3228355990
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/diamonds/diamondDetail.asp?stockNum=1973202089

I have an appointment today to go to Fey & Co. to see a few diamonds I have selected online. We are located in the Chicago land area, so it is great to be able to go see the diamonds in person. I'll post the ones I like after the appointment today.

Thanks again for the great advice. As for my search criteria. I basically am looking for the best quality and size stone in my price range. From what I have seen so far in person I like the way the 1.50 carat looks the most on my hand, but I am ok with a smaller or larger carat. In a diamond I want it to look eye clean and sparkle. Unless it is a colored stone then I just want it to sparkle. As for my price range I could stretch it to $4,500 for absolutely beautiful ring. I hope this makes sense.

I'm not familiar with how to make links on this database. I hope they work : )
Click to expand...


Hi Allison,
Did you mean me? cos I think I only posted one diamond that had an actual picture. Did you mean Kelpie?

Any way for the one I posted that had an actual picture (the 1.21 I SI from JA) as opposed to a representation, the reason I liked that one was the L/W proportions (I dont like 'square' radiants) and to be honest it was the biggest I could find in your price range that had a GIA Grading report . The 1.06ct one that you posted has a much better cut though.

As regards sapphires, if you do decide to go that route, then make sure you visit the Colored stone forum here on Pricescope. There are lots of threads there about how to select the perfect sapphire and many many experts. Jeff White (http://www.whitesgems.com)seems to be the vendor that most people recommend.

Regards
Mac
 
allisonNwill|1293666998|2809365 said:
Hi all!!

I just got back from Fey & Co. After looking at 6 diamonds, I found a diamond that I like to consider. It is a Radiant Cut, 1.27 carat, J color, VS1. The cost is $4285.00. The cost is over budget. The diamond will have to be set in a solitaire setting. Does anyone have any opinions? Sorry there's no picture.

I did decide that I definitely like the rectangular radiant cut over the other shapes because my fingers are kinda long.
Click to expand...


Hi Allison,

the info you gave is not enough to know if that diamond is good , bad or indifferent. Did it come with a GIA or AGS report? Can you post the report number? then we can look it up and give opinions.
 
allisonNwill|1293666998|2809365 said:
Hi all!!

I just got back from Fey & Co. After looking at 6 diamonds, I found a diamond that I like to consider. It is a Radiant Cut, 1.27 carat, J color, VS1. The cost is $4285.00. The cost is over budget. The diamond will have to be set in a solitaire setting. Does anyone have any opinions? Sorry there's no picture.

I did decide that I definitely like the rectangular radiant cut over the other shapes because my fingers are kinda long.
Click to expand...

I don't have enough info (or knowledge of radiants) to say if it's a good stone but the cost seems high compared to what I've found online. For example, this stone below is 12/100ths of a ct smaller yet $1500 cheaper and a clarity grade higher. I showed you james allen diamonds because they have real pictures and good prices, anyone can get you (most of) the exact same diamonds, just don't over-pay for them. I did talk to dimend scaasi once about getting a diamond I saw on James Allen and they said they must not have access to it, however that's probably the exception. They were very helpful with quotes but also advised they couldn't match pricescope prices. You should be willing to pay a small premium for the level of service of in-store shopping and their great upgrade policy if that makes you more comfortable with buying a diamond but you have decide how much more it's worth for the exact same diamond.

Here's the one I mentioned:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Premium-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337527.asp

and some more eye candy (though I'm way better at finding promising cushions than radiants):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1344671.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-IF-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336865.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Premium-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1333163.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337526.asp
 
allisonNwill|1293666998|2809365 said:
I did decide that I definitely like the rectangular radiant cut over the other shapes because my fingers are kinda long.
Click to expand...


Allison,

If you are going for a radiant cut, check this link out

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/radiant-cut-diamond

It gives the proportions, angles and percentages to look for, as well as links to other threads on pricescope about radiant cuts.

I would suggest you stay within cut class 1a/1b (ideal / premium)

Print the table and take it with you every time you go to a jewellers.

Regards
Mac
 
If you want someone to comment on the radiant stone you found you need to post certificate information so that we have all the facts. Also- keep in mind that fancy cut stones (anything other than a round pretty much) are hard to tell from numbers. Sight is way more important in facnies- so if you physically saw this stone- in various lighting (keep in mind store lighting is flatter on all stones/jewelry even very poorly cut diamonds) and loved it- well then you are the one wearing it and who needs to love it- so you have your answer.
 
allisonNwill|1293667558|2809373 said:
Thanks for the reply athenaworth. I'm pretty new to the diamond search and I appreciate all the help I can get. What does AVC stand for?
Click to expand...

AVC is August Vintage Cut. They're a branded cut and are very similar to cushions (but prettier, IMHO). Take a look at his site. He has vidoes of his stones. They are amazing. I wish I'd heard about them when I was upgrading. www.goodoldgold.com
 
Athenaworth,

I have checked the website you mentioned. I like the diamonds that I have seen there. A friend has also found a diamond there. I will definitely keep looking for a diamond through this vendor. I like that they have videos of their products and they will search for a diamond for you.

Thanks,
Allisom
 
Amy's Bling,

I love your ring, it is beautiful. Thank you for your suggestions. We did look at the diamond in different lights to see how it would look outside of the jeweler lights. Compared to an I color stone I could a slight difference but it didn't concern me. I wish I would of taken a picture. The jeweler at Fey & Co gave me a copy of the GIA certificate. What additional information should I post?

This is everything I see shown.

GIA Report 124093
Shape and Cutting Style-Cushion Modified Brilliant
Measurements-7.03 x 5.45 x 3.80 mm
Carat weight- 1.27 ct
Color- J
Clarity- VS1
Polish- Very good
Symmetry- Good
Surface grade- not shown
Girdle- Medium to thick
Depth- 69.7%
Table-65%

As of now I am considering this diamond as a possibility, but want to keep looking.

Allison
 
Hi Mac,

Sorry for the confusion. Here is what I think may be the the GIA Report Number: 124093. It is located right after it says GIA Report but I thought it may be the stock number. Thanks for the links for sapphires and radiant cuts. I like the rectangular Radiants as well. I like they way they look on my finger the best : ) I am going to go check them out after I am done posting this message. Before I seen your post I was found a company called the The Natural Sapphire company, have you ever heard of them? Here is a link to a stone that I like.

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/B3981/Radiant/stoneid=B3981

Thanks for your help. Talk to you soon.

Allison
 
Hi Kelpie,

Thanks for the eye candy, it looks tasty. I think I could just look at diamonds all day : ) I like the james allen website as well. I found a similar radiant diamond I like there compared to the one I like at Fey & Co. that is cheaper with band and all. Thanks for the advice I will definitely keep looking.

Allison
 
Happy New Year's Eve Everyone!!!!!

After modifying my search criteria i have found a few more diamonds I like. I understand that it is New Years Eve so no rush in reply. I just wanted to post what I found and get some feed back at your convenience.

Here is a link to some of the diamonds that I have found. Some of the diamonds are K in color but if it looks as clear as they do in these pictures I would buy one asap. The price range for some are more than we originally wanted but I would work it out for this look. Plus with the price scope discount it really isn't that much more compared to the diamond we found at Fey & Co.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1337220.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336589.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1241266.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1347936.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1335655.asp

Thanks for your time,

Allison
 
The emeralds are beaaautiful (IMHO). The radiant and cushion looks a little dark to me. But I'm not a pro, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
 
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