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HELP ME! I've spent the last 3 months trying to figure out the perfect ring!

Joined
Dec 11, 2023
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Hey all! I am trying to get a ring for my fiance and I've been searching for one for the last 3 months and still not convinced what size and quality of diamond I should go for?


I am posting an image of my partner's fingers with different-sized diamonds on them. She says she likes these diamond sizes, but I feel they are too small. But she says anything bigger and won't be able to wear it daily. I am so confused. What do you think appropriate size would be given her fingers?

Also, are James Allen True Hearts vs Brian Gavin Signature Diamond a good bet? Or any other suggestions? Any and all help is much appreciated :)


WhatsApp Image 2023-12-08 at 23.38.44.jpeg
 
Welcome to PS and congratulations in advance!

Given you had already asked her preferences, I suggest you follow them as SHE is the one going to wear them, not you!

Get the biggest size of the three as seen in the photo, as in the one on her middle finger.

Find a vendor with a trade up policy so that she can upgrade to a bigger stone when she feels like it.

Can't comment on the branded generics from two vendors you mentioned, sorry!

Good luck in your search.

DK :))
 
Welcome to PS and congratulations in advance!

Given you had already asked her preferences, I suggest you follow them as SHE is the one going to wear them, not you!

Get the biggest size of the three as seen in the photo, as in the one on her middle finger.

Find a vendor with a trade up policy so that she can upgrade to a bigger stone when she feels like it.

Can't comment on the branded generics from two vendors you mentioned, sorry!

Good luck in your search.

DK :))

Agree. Good solid advice. The settings are all a little different too, so I would find out what her preference is. They are three different looks, even though it's a solitaire. You can check out Brian Gavin and Whiteflash for superideal stones, or Jann Paul, but it really depends on budget. Also, look at the upgrade policies carefully. As another option, if you want to do James Allen or Blue Nile, people can help you find something if you give budget and desired specs, so you can compare the options in hand.
 
Definitely get the biggest because once you start to wear a diamond it begins to shrink before your eyes (Diamond Shrinkage
Syndrom...DSS). I do applaud your GF for being practical though! She has very long fingers and can wear about anything.

Also, check out Whiteflash...they are Super Ideal H&A Stones.

Can you tell us what size the middle stone is and what your budget is? We can point out some options.
 
Agree with others to only go as big as she is comfortable wearing. Just make sure to go with a vendor with a good upgrade policy in case she wants to go bigger later on.

IMO going with in house diamonds from Brian Gavin or White Flash would be the easiest option. Their selection criteria is pretty strict and most diamonds would perform similarly.

James Allen or Blue Nile may have better pricing sometimes, but the cut precision and performance can vary quite a bit even within their branded diamonds. I would definitely ask for help here on any diamonds you are interested in.

Earlier in the year I posted a comparison of branded diamonds from Brian Gavin and James Allen, and a non branded one from Blue Nile. All vendors I would buy from again.
 
Definitely get the biggest because once you start to wear a diamond it begins to shrink before your eyes (Diamond Shrinkage
Syndrom...DSS). I do applaud your GF for being practical though! She has very long fingers and can wear about anything.

Also, check out Whiteflash...they are Super Ideal H&A Stones.

Can you tell us what size the middle stone is and what your budget is? We can point out some options.

Thank you for your input. The diamond sizes are 0.25, 0.4 and 0.3 (from L to R). Before she tried them out, I was looking at around 1.0 carat as my base case. Now I am confused. My budget is around $5K. I don't think I can spend beyond that for now.
 
Agree. Good solid advice. The settings are all a little different too, so I would find out what her preference is. They are three different looks, even though it's a solitaire. You can check out Brian Gavin and Whiteflash for superideal stones, or Jann Paul, but it really depends on budget. Also, look at the upgrade policies carefully. As another option, if you want to do James Allen or Blue Nile, people can help you find something if you give budget and desired specs, so you can compare the options in hand.
Thank you for your input. The diamond sizes are 0.25, 0.4 and 0.3 (from L to R). Before she tried them out, I was looking at around 1.0 carat as my base case. Now I am confused. My budget is around $4-5K
 
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Im an outlier here. I’d suggest going bigger. She will adjust to that size so quickly and wish she’d gone bigger. Amazing how fast that happens. :lol: You have the budget now and as life goes on something always more important comes up. If she decides to go larger down the road, it may be harder to fit in to your life at that time.
 
I think you have a healthy budget. I am also an outlier and think that she will adjust to the size fairly quickly. I suggest going with someone like Whiteflash who has a upgrade policy in case you ever need it.

I looked briefly and you could get a very nice 0.6ct+ ACA for around $2500 which leaves enough money for a majority of settings (like the one Lovedogs suggested which is $1800). And would still be in budget.

Good luck!

Also just for reference:
A 0.4ct is roughly 4.71x4.74x2.91 mm $1,125.00

And a 0.62ct is 5.47x5.50x3.38 mm $2,320.00
 
From a different angle, I'd have her try those three again, or any three within consideration, and ask her which one is most beautiful? Which one do you like the best?
Focus on quality, something besides size.
 
Those are all helpful suggestions. I can't thank you all enough. I am also thinking trying for something around 0.6 as a good size up but not too big of a size up either.

As for the ring settings, she likes it simple as she wants to wear it on a daily basis. So she prefers the right two settings.

Anyone kind enough to help me look through best kind diamond within those restrictions? From what I hear from you all, WF Cut above the rest is the sweet spot in terms of quality?
 
I think you have a healthy budget. I am also an outlier and think that she will adjust to the size fairly quickly. I suggest going with someone like Whiteflash who has a upgrade policy in case you ever need it.

I looked briefly and you could get a very nice 0.6ct+ ACA for around $2500 which leaves enough money for a majority of settings (like the one Lovedogs suggested which is $1800). And would still be in budget.

Good luck!

Also just for reference:
A 0.4ct is roughly 4.71x4.74x2.91 mm $1,125.00

And a 0.62ct is 5.47x5.50x3.38 mm $2,320.00

This is super helpful ❤️
 
Also, what kind of setting does she want? A simple solitaire? Halo?

Diamond suggestion within budget and a small size bump: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...lor-vvs2-clarity-round-ideal-cut-sku-a4518383

My personal favorite setting from WF:
Thank you so much for actively helping me..I might be a lil stupid but any reason why this ring is so much more expensive than others which I see around 700-1000? Can you please let me know how to choose what's the right kind of setting? I am mostly looking for a basic setting with 6 prongs ideally. Tapered I've heard looks good on Solitaires too.
 
Thank you so much for actively helping me..I might be a lil stupid but any reason why this ring is so much more expensive than others which I see around 700-1000? Can you please let me know how to choose what's the right kind of setting? I am mostly looking for a basic setting with 6 prongs ideally. Tapered I've heard looks good on Solitaires too.

I don’t know why that one is so much more…maybe the platinum weight, the brand, or the finishing? Lots of people have loved this one as well:
 
0.6 carat Diamond. What about this one with valoria setting shared earlier?


Beautiful choice. ETA: I think the sparkle will knock your socks off, and you've hit a sweet spot of color and clarity.
 
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Speak with Lesley at BGD, that is Brian’s wife. Have had excellent discussions with her and if you need to, she will get Brian on the phone with you to assure you of what you are buying. Good luck.
 
Their take on the Tiffany-style solitaire.


And another solitaire that tapers beautifully.

 
My SIL has an engagement ring that is a .6ct F color and it looks gorgeous. I think you are on the right track!

She wants a plain solitaire with no sidestones? Just checking. I also think diamonds this size look classy and beautiful with tapered bullets or very small round side stones. Though it is a little clingier it’s a little more original/uncommon than a solitaire.
 
Their take on the Tiffany-style solitaire.


And another solitaire that tapers beautifully.


Their take on the Tiffany-style solitaire.


And another solitaire that tapers beautifully.


How's this one? https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/products/six-prong-solitaire-5351?variant=40214750593085
 

I say no to this one...it looks like a presentation ring that you will change out for a nicer setting later.

The cheapest ring BGD has that has nice prongs (IMO) is this one but I dont like it in this case because of the 2.8mm top width wish
is too much for a .6 stone (again, my opinion)

They really dont have a nice 6 prong setting at a lower price point.
 
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