Help needed in finding an e-ring <3

[Lolalol]

Hi all, I hope you might be able to help me in finding an engagement ring. I am based in Ireland and currently all the jewelers are still closed which has made it quite tricky to try styles on and really settle on something I love. However I have been able to order some dummy rings and I love a plan round solitaire or a wider oval.

I am not overly color sensitive and could sacrifice color for size (I also don't mind some fluorescence) I am of course looking for loads of sparkle and love old cut stones as much as the modern brilliant.
Our budget is €7-8k which would be about $8-9.5 USD. If buying in the US we will need to incur import duties and taxes and this will be about 25%.

I would really appreciate any help and suggestions that you might have! Thank you!!

 

[lovedogs]

Do other PSers know if Blue Nile includes duty/taxes for Ireland? I know members in the UK have noted that they include VAT but I admit I am completely ignorant about how import taxes work in different European countries.

 

[lulu_ma]

@Lolalol Any inspo pics? In an ideal world what size in mm would you want your stone to be? Did you see anything you like online at JW Weldon?

 

[Lolalol]

Do other PSers know if Blue Nile includes duty/taxes for Ireland? I know members in the UK have noted that they include VAT but I admit I am completely ignorant about how import taxes work in different European countries.

Yes, Blue Nile luckily includes it in the diamond price when you are searching which is super helpful so I dont need to be adding the percentage on top of that. Its just I really dont know what to look out for when selecting the diamond as most of them look great to me

 

[lovedogs]

Yes, Blue Nile luckily includes it in the diamond price when you are searching which is super helpful so I dont need to be adding the percentage on top of that. Its just I really dont know what to look out for when selecting the diamond as most of them look great to me

Oh excellent! What is their UK website? Happy to look for you!

In general, look for the following:

table: 54-58
Depth: 60.5-62.4
Crown angle: 34-35 (up to 35.5 if pav is closer to 40.6)
Paviliion angle: 40.6-40.8 (up to 41 if crown is closer to 34)

 

[Lolalol]

Oh that would be sooo helpful, thank you!! https://www.bluenile.com/ie I believe they use the same website but they have a little drop down in the top right corner where one can select the country and currency.


Thats super helpful, thank you! What about the clarity and the colour? I think I prefer the slight warmth but dont want them to be too yellow.

Oh excellent! What is their UK website? Happy to look for you!

In general, look for the following:

table: 54-58
Depth: 60.5-62.4
Crown angle: 34-35 (up to 35.5 if pav is closer to 40.6)
Paviliion angle: 40.6-40.8 (up to 41 if crown is closer to 34)

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

If blue Nile shows you the “actual price” that you would be paying, then I think it makes sense to buy your stone from there! I’m sure posters here can help you evaluate stones

I personally love how ovals look even more than rounds BUT fancy shapes (like ovals) are harder to pick off of a certificate or video etc. I feel like they need to be picked by eye. So the “easiest” for you to pick off of numbers and pictures, and the largest selection, would be for an MRB. That being said, if you would rather have the oval, you should look for that first

Have you seen some diamonds in person to get an idea of what is “acceptable” colour for you? Because I feel like colour sensitivity is kind of hard to define Personally for me, H or I is my sweet spot where it appears pretty much colourless even in bigger sizes. And I am comfortable with J or even K, if setting in WG or platinum. I am not sure but have heard that often K with a “faint brown” tint faces up whiter than a regular K with yellow tint. I think with YG I might be comfortable going even lower than K but I haven’t seen many stones in those colours. However if you haven’t seen a few examples of these colours in person I think drawing the line at I-J (or max K) should be safe. I have no issues with fluoro, if you would like to avoid “haziness” issues I would either exclude strong fluoro / very strong fluoro; or double check with the rep if there’s any haziness or milkiness indicated.

As far as clarity goes, eye clean works for me, so I’d look in the VS2/SI1 sweet spot. I would consider an SI2 if eye clean and no cloudiness/durability issues. Avoid all SI stones with the following comments: “clarity grade based on clouds not shown” and scrutinise Carefully all SI stones which either have cloud as the first inclusion or the comment “additional clouds not shown”.

Diamondscreener (the website) has some info/ cut guide for ovals that might be helpful as a starting point. The HCA tool here is a good tool to filter MRBs for consideration. There is a post by Garry H on recommended proportions for RBCs (don’t have the link just now) which can give you some info to start picking out stones that you can ask people here to evaluate. The only thing he doesn’t mention is depth... everyone has their own comfort level with depth. Mine, if you’re interested, is at the 60-62 range (I’m ok to go down to 59.7 and up to 62.3; more than that in either direction makes me a bit nervous). Please place all stones you’re interested in on hold before posting here to prevent someone from sniping it from under you (there are some lurkers who might do that since your price point is a common one and they might have similar budgets, it’s happened to people before).

Congratulations and enjoy the process!

 

[Lolalol]

@Lolalol Any inspo pics? In an ideal world what size in mm would you want your stone to be? Did you see anything you like online at JW Weldon?

Im not too sure on the diameter, oh I must have a look to see what they have!

Im looking for just something really simple like this and I would like to pair it with an eternity band

 

[lovedogs]

Oh that would be sooo helpful, thank you!! https://www.bluenile.com/ie I believe they use the same website but they have a little drop down in the top right corner where one can select the country and currency.


Thats super helpful, thank you! What about the clarity and the colour? I think I prefer the slight warmth but dont want them to be too yellow.

Do you know what size you want (in ct)? For most people, G/H is a pretty "safe" range. It won't look "yellow" but it will have a tiny hint of warmth compared to D/E color. Most people are fine with eye clean SI1 and VS2 is very safe.

 

[lovedogs]

https://www.bluenile.com/ie/diamond...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true I really like this one.


If you are willing to go with an I color (which is most likely fine if you aren't color sensitive) and you want the best possible cut, I would buy this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4355235.htm
or https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4377451.htm

I know taxes will need to be taken into account (you said up to 25%), but my calculations still put it in your budget.

 

[Lolalol]

Do you know what size you want (in ct)? For most people, G/H is a pretty "safe" range. It won't look "yellow" but it will have a tiny hint of warmth compared to D/E color. Most people are fine with eye clean SI1 and VS2 is very safe.

From the few rings that I had looked at I dont mind going down to I-J and possibly K depending on how much colour the individual stone shows. As to the size, ideally I would like it to be 1.2 ct+

 

[lovedogs]

From the few rings that I had looked at I dont mind going down to I-J and possibly K depending on how much colour the individual stone shows. As to the size, ideally I would like it to be 1.3 ct+

aha, ok then ignore my previous recommendations! Will keep looking and drop color.

 

[Lolalol]

https://www.bluenile.com/ie/diamond...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true I really like this one.


If you are willing to go with an I color (which is most likely fine if you aren't color sensitive) and you want the best possible cut, I would buy this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4355235.htm
or https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4377451.htm

I know taxes will need to be taken into account (you said up to 25%), but my calculations still put it in your budget.

Thank you so much! And they all look amazing to me, when picking from these three what would you mainly focus on? Would anything set one of them apart from the rest?

 

[lovedogs]

for stones that are super ideal, this: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3568734.htm. It's a K color, but if you don't mind warmth it will be freaking amazing.

 

[lovedogs]

Thank you so much! And they all look amazing to me, when picking from these three what would you mainly focus on? Would anything set one of them apart from the rest?

For me personally, cut is the #1 most important thing. I am personally not color sensitive, so I would choose the best possible cut and put color secondary.

So if you know you won't mind a K cut (which obviously not everyone would be ok with), I would go with the K I posted above.

 

[lulu_ma]

I knew @lovedogs would find you something good!

 

[lulu_ma]

@Lolalol you mentioned old cuts. What about antique ovals?

@lovedogs these would harder to find, right?

 

[Lolalol]

For me personally, cut is the #1 most important thing. I am personally not color sensitive, so I would choose the best possible cut and put color secondary.

So if you know you won't mind a K cut (which obviously not everyone would be ok with), I would go with the K I posted above.

THANK YOU! I do love it it has so much SPARKLE

 

[Lolalol]

@Lolalol you mentioned old cuts. What about antique ovals?

@lovedogs these would harder to find, right?

I do love the chunkier look of the antique stones, I dont think I have ever seen an oval though

 

[lovedogs]

@Lolalol you mentioned old cuts. What about antique ovals?

@lovedogs these would harder to find, right?

Yeah, antique ovals are a totally different "animal" in terms of finding them. You'd likely have to go through someone who specializes in old cuts, as most of the online jewelers won't have them.

 

[lulu_ma]

@Lolalol Just so you can see a couple of examples...

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[Cerulean]

I actually quite like the Elyque ovals too, granted I have never seen one in person - but if I went for a modern cut round stone, I'd choose Whiteflash or Crafted by Infinity in a heartbeat

This one is maybe too close to the top of your budget...

Distinctive Gem | The Synergy of Science & Beauty

Known for our August Vintage cut, DG is a family owned & operated online diamond business built on customer service. While we accommodate almost all jewelry requests and custom work, we specialize in ideal cut vintage and modern diamonds that are comprised of the highest optical performance you...

www.distinctivegem.com

Well in budget

ELYQUE-OVAL 1.25ct. I SI1 1676552

Diamond Details Measurements 7.77 x 5.55 x 4.44 Cut Grade ID Polish ID Symmetry ID Fluorescence NEG Ratio 1.4 Table 46 Depth 66.7 Lab Report

www.distinctivegem.com

 

[Lolalol]

@Lolalol Just so you can see a couple of examples...

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oh they are also dreamy!! How is one to pick a diamond when most of them look so great! I think I need to train my eye!

 

[Cerulean]

@Lolalol Just so you can see a couple of examples...

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That first one screams antique style but modern cut...it just seems too perfect? So many antique ovals I have seen are quite quirky....but I have no idea!

Like this below..many look like very elongated, roundish OMCs...but I am out of my depth in knowledge on antique ovals, they seem incredibly rare

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[Lolalol]

I actually quite like the Elyque ovals too, granted I have never seen one in person - but if I went for a modern cut round stone, I'd choose Whiteflash or Crafted by Infinity in a heartbeat

This one is maybe too close to the top of your budget...

Distinctive Gem | The Synergy of Science & Beauty

Known for our August Vintage cut, DG is a family owned & operated online diamond business built on customer service. While we accommodate almost all jewelry requests and custom work, we specialize in ideal cut vintage and modern diamonds that are comprised of the highest optical performance you...

www.distinctivegem.com

Well in budget

ELYQUE-OVAL 1.25ct. I SI1 1676552

Diamond Details Measurements 7.77 x 5.55 x 4.44 Cut Grade ID Polish ID Symmetry ID Fluorescence NEG Ratio 1.4 Table 46 Depth 66.7 Lab Report

www.distinctivegem.com

I absolutely love these too! What are Elyque Ovals? Are they different to other ovals?

 

[Lolalol]

There hasnt been a single stone that you have shared that I havent loved, how do I pick? Did anyone else struggle making a decision? They are all so beautiful in their own way!

 

[Cerulean]

I absolutely love these too! What are Elyque Ovals? Are they different to other ovals?

From what I understand, they are a specific branded cut developed by the diamond cutter behind August Vintage (named Jonathan)

Here are some deets: https://www.distinctivegem.com/pages/the-new-signature-oval-by-av-inc

I also saw on his insta (@distinctivegem) that he has a new antique-style oval that looks pretty dang gorgeous to me. It is NOT a true antique, but styled after one with the flowery petals and big facets...I do not know if he is cutting mined diamonds yet, but here is a lab diamond version

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[Lolalol]

That first one screams antique style but modern cut...it just seems too perfect? So many antique ovals I have seen are quite quirky....but I have no idea!

Like this below..many look like very elongated, roundish OMCs...but I am out of my depth in knowledge on antique ovals, they seem incredibly rare

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Yes it does seem perfect! And the antique stones have that je ne sais quoi about them and make me wonder who was the person that had this amazing stone before!

 

[lulu_ma]

There hasnt been a single stone that you have shared that I havent loved, how do I pick? Did anyone else struggle making a decision? They are all so beautiful in their own way!

Hahaha-we can't help you. We are all diamond lovers

 

[Cerulean]

There hasnt been a single stone that you have shared that I havent loved, how do I pick? Did anyone else struggle making a decision? They are all so beautiful in their own way!

It IS super hard. I like antique and modern too - but at the end of the day, figuring out what truly makes your heart flutter is how to pick the one for you.

I like ovals, round, cushion, etc. However, I decided that a round was more classic, and that I liked big colorful flashes that antique diamonds offer, and I liked the idea of something that was 100+ yrs old and cut by hand.

Would I have probably been happy with a modern diamond? Sure! The lure of a modern stone (to me) is that select cutters have achieved optical perfection. That is pretty darn cool - the light performance is basically as flawless as it gets with vendors like Whiteflash for their "a cut above" line and the sparkle of a truly well cut modern diamond really is special - they are glitter bombs

I don't know if this helps, but it went into my decision making process. And even tho I settled for an antique stone...I will probably add a modern ideal cut diamond to my repertoire one day, why choose?