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help with lower budget engagement ring

You mentioned that the budget including setting can potentially be increased to $3500?

If so, perhaps it really is worth considering a larger stone especially since they won't be upgrading. Of course everyone is different and some may value higher color and clarity over size.

For me personally, this would be my decision making process for an ER:
  • < 1ct, size would be my priority
  • > 1ct consider higher color and clarity
Perhaps this 0.84 Carat H SI1 on Abe Mor ($2877, price is visible if you register and sign-in) might interest you:

Listing

Carat from Abe Mor Diamonds

abemor.com abemor.com

Video

GIA Cert

GIA - Report Check

Report Check
www.gia.edu www.gia.edu

The description says 'no black' but I see something at the 1 o'clock mark in the video. So if you are interested, you should contact Abe Mor to get more details and make sure it is eye clean. If not, would the prong be able to hide that dot.

Here are two options from Good Old Gold:

Old European cut style stone - might be nice with the gold band, antique vibe
0.78 Ct. August Vintage Round I SI1 ($3041 bank wire price)
www.goodoldgold.com

Earth Grown Inventory Virtual

Shop our list of diamonds online at Good Old Gold. We are an authorized retailer with a huge selection of diamonds in shapes, cuts, clarities, and colors. See our selection now!
www.goodoldgold.com www.goodoldgold.com

0.72 Ct. Ascendancy Hearts & Arrows I SI1 ($1995 bank wire price)
www.goodoldgold.com

Earth Grown Inventory Virtual

Shop our list of diamonds online at Good Old Gold. We are an authorized retailer with a huge selection of diamonds in shapes, cuts, clarities, and colors. See our selection now!
www.goodoldgold.com www.goodoldgold.com

I've included this last one because it is H&A diamond with a AGS cert, has light return images and is well within your budget, so you still have a comfortable amount left to spend on the setting.
 
@Diamond_Enthusiast thanks for the suggestions.

I checked out the Abe Mor diamond, It has a cloud as the only clarity setting Characteristic. In an SI1 that makes me nervous. knowing that is it still worth checking out?

Unless I can get her to see antique stones in person I think I should probably be careful about those. Due to time constraints I don‘t think I can make that happen. I personally would like to check them out though…

haven’t had time yet to check out the other GOG stone yet.
 
I scoured both the PriceScope and Rare Carat search engines for D-J 0.7+ SI1+ carat diamonds...I have yet to run across a better deal than the 0.7 E VS1 AGS000 for only $2500 or the 0.8 seemingly very light tinted J VS2 with stunning white light return for only $2290.

Due to the measurements and angles being what they are, my confidence level in either of them being able to blow away the performance (thus appearing bigger because of the sheer amount of light return) of many other diamonds in the size range for the price is extremely high.

Merely my personal take: I will defer to others to offer alternate perspectives, advice, and opinions so that you can be armed with as much info as possible so that the decision making process is an extremely informed one.
 
miss1020 said:
@Diamond_Enthusiast thanks for the suggestions.

I checked out the Abe Mor diamond, It has a cloud as the only clarity setting Characteristic. In an SI1 that makes me nervous. knowing that is it still worth checking out?

Unless I can get her to see antique stones in person I think I should probably be careful about those. Due to time constraints I don‘t think I can make that happen. I personally would like to check them out though…

haven’t had time yet to check out the other GOG stone yet.
Click to expand...
I double checked and the Abe Mor diamond actually has both cloud and crystal (in case it didn't link properly, it is GIA cert 2186411555).

With August Vintage though, I should have probably been clearer that it is actually a patented brand with to cut new diamond rough to the style of a Old European cut. They aren't actually real vintage stones. It is of course a good idea to make sure she sees the style first as it isn't necessarily for everyone. Here is more info about August Vintage European Cut here:

www.goodoldgold.com

The August Vintage European Cut

With the increased demand for vintage cushions, and the popularity of the August Vintage® cushion, we have seen an increased demand for another vintage diamond: the Old European Cut. However, scrutinizing buyers want an Old European Cut with repeatable, predictable, and outstanding optics.
www.goodoldgold.com www.goodoldgold.com

Hope that makes more sense.
 
I dont see any reason to pay $500+ more for higher clarity and E->D, .70->.72 when that AGS000 E/VS1 is a nice stone. If you
are going to pay more I think you try to gain some size.

Just checked on that E at JA. Did you put it on hold? Looks like it may be gone now.
 
tyty333 said:
I dont see any reason to pay $500+ more for higher clarity and E->D, .70->.72 when that AGS000 E/VS1 is a nice stone. If you
are going to pay more I think you try to gain some size.

Just checked on that E at JA. Did you put it on hold? Looks like it may be gone now.
Click to expand...

Yes, miss1020 put it on hold yesterday, thankfully.
 
Thanks everyone. I have been looking to make sure I can’t go a bit bigger than .8 without dropping below an I color for around $3000 and I can’t find anything that checks out. (I did ask about the Abe Mor stone but they take a day to get back and I would need more clarification about the inclusions)

So I will make a decision soon. I do think from looking at the diamdb app that it would be noticeable to have .8 instead of .7, but I don’t want to go to a J. I thought I’d found a few I color options but they didn’t check out. And really, the E stone really does look great, so I do think it would be beautiful.

As an aside, I was checking out other people‘s rings today around here and most are about .5-.75 ct I would guess. Of course some are in settings like halos and such that boost the coverage, but also most are not amazing cuts. So I do feel like she will be very happy with what I’m working toward.
 
miss1020 said:
Thanks everyone. I have been looking to make sure I can’t go a bit bigger than .8 without dropping below an I color for around $3000 and I can’t find anything that checks out. (I did ask about the Abe Mor stone but they take a day to get back and I would need more clarification about the inclusions)

So I will make a decision soon. I do think from looking at the diamdb app that it would be noticeable to have .8 instead of .7, but I don’t want to go to a J. I thought I’d found a few I color options but they didn’t check out. And really, the E stone really does look great, so I do think it would be beautiful.

As an aside, I was checking out other people‘s rings today around here and most are about .5-.75 ct I would guess. Of course some are in settings like halos and such that boost the coverage, but also most are not amazing cuts. So I do feel like she will be very happy with what I’m working toward.
Click to expand...

With all the thought you're putting into this no doubt she's going to end up with a beautiful diamond!
 
My mistake, I missed the .81 I VVS1 from rare Carat. It looks like it does check out. So I guess I should add it to the mix.

However, on the off chance they ever did want to upgrade, James Allen would likely be better. I don’t know anything about the retailer on rare carat Daniel William diamonds.
 
Did you see how gorgeous a little diamond can look in a simple setting?

D color CBI in yellow gold

I love antique cuts. Give me rainbows rolling over broad facets every day of the week. Of course, when you hang out on PS, you get ideas. .62 ct (5.5 mm) D / VS1 CBI Stuller setting # 123636 (18kt yg shank w wg head) Ring size 6 With all of the talk about super ideals, I decided to get one...
www.pricescope.com
 
ah, no I didn’t see that! I’ve been so busy working on this that I haven’t read any other threads. That is very pretty!
 
miss1020 said:
My mistake, I missed the .81 I VVS1 from rare Carat. It looks like it does check out. So I guess I should add it to the mix.

However, on the off chance they ever did want to upgrade, James Allen would likely be better. I don’t know anything about the retailer on rare carat Daniel William diamonds.
Click to expand...

How about this Whiteflash 0.806 ct I SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond ($3176 bank wire price)?

Diamond | 0.806 ct I SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4419255

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.806 carat I color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4419255
www.whiteflash.com

With an ACA diamond, you can be confident about the performance.

If by the off chance they upgrade, Whiteflash has an excellent upgrade policy (with JA you need to spend at least double the original).

Lifetime Upgrade Guarantee | Whiteflash

A great upgrade policy is a big deal when buying a diamond. Whiteflash has the best benefits in the business including a 100% Lifetime Upgrade Guarantee.
www.whiteflash.com

They also have a number of settings that are less than $500:

Diamond Engagement Rings: Exquisite Settings from Whiteflash

Browse our stunning selection of Diamond Engagement Rings at Whiteflash. Explore a variety of unique settings and find the perfect ring to symbolize your love.
www.whiteflash.com

Whiteflash provides a $100 new customer registration credit when you spend $2000 or more. So make sure you register first before you make a purchase if you decide to use them.

Whichever option you end up choosing I think you will end up with a beautiful diamond that she'll love! :)
 
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There are also two Wolf CBI diamonds that I came across that might suit. Their diamonds are triple certified (GIA, AGS and GCAL).

0.75 Carat Crafted by Infinity Diamond I Color VS2 ($3,091 bank wire price)
- although it is 0.75ct, the dimensions are good - 5.85 - 5.88 x 3.6 mm
- interestingly color is rated by GIA and GCAL: I but AGS: G. So perhaps it is a high I?

Wolf | CBI ™

wolfcbi.com wolfcbi.com

0.80 Carat Crafted by Infinity Diamond J VS1 ($3,007 bank wire price)
- although color is rated by GIA: J but AGS and GCAL: I So perhaps it is a high J?
- clarity rating is VS1 on GIA but VS2 on AGS and GCAL

Wolf | CBI ™

wolfcbi.com wolfcbi.com

Wolf CBI also has an excellent upgrade policy, you just need to spend $1 more than original.

Wolf | CBI ™

wolfcbi.com wolfcbi.com

Hopefully this per provides you with some good options.
I'm going to stop now though as I think you have many great choices already!
 
If it were me, I'd take slight tint and larger size. I had a 5.8mm RB as my e-ring for 12 years and I always wished it was a 6.5mm. Don't rule out I and J. The round diamond here is a definite J, .8ct, and 6mm. It has great light performance and faces up very white. And the yellow gold compliments the slight tint.

830785830784

Also, I have bent those stamped 4 prong heads before. If she wants 4 prongs, get a head with 4 heavy prongs. Or a ring around the pavilion for better support. The other problem I have had with those standard stamped Tiffany type heads, 4 and 6 prong, is the bottom of the prong that sits against the finger is pointed. I have thin & sensitive skin and that pointy base digs into my finger and rubs it raw. A peg head or illusion head or something like Stuller Solstice is much more comfortable to me.
 
So @AdaBeta27 , I am possibly coming around to a J color. I have a J that is much larger, and I have been basing my assumptions on it, but I am thinking that the color is going to be not as noticeable in a .8. And if I take the advice about the prongs, then the sides will be covered up more. i think that my ring is white 90% of the time. It’s just when I’m in a tan painted room with yellowish light that I notice it. So those are my current thoughts…
 
these are the the .7 and .8 in her Ring size.

7B2B958E-A24E-44AD-B2AC-28F595ABADF7.png
 
miss1020 said:
So @AdaBeta27 , I am possibly coming around to a J color. I have a J that is much larger, and I have been basing my assumptions on it, but I am thinking that the color is going to be not as noticeable in a .8. And if I take the advice about the prongs, then the sides will be covered up more. i think that my ring is white 90% of the time. It’s just when I’m in a tan painted room with yellowish light that I notice it. So those are my current thoughts…
Click to expand...

I would have no problem with a J colored well cut stone if it were set in yellow gold. I would go all yellow gold, not white prongs and yellow shank. If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the largest, ideally cut J that I could find in budget. I would probably even go for 6 prongs instead of 4. I think the yellow around the warmer stone will make it look great.
 
* this one isn’t available anymore*

I need some opinions please!
I’m not good at reading the aset. Is it too light in the center?
1631582367010.jpeg

www.jamesallen.com

0.85 Carat round diamond

This 0.85 carat round diamond J color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com



1631582055844.png
 
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Another option, no aset available.

www.jamesallen.com

0.85 Carat round diamond

This 0.85 carat round diamond J color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

1631582493298.png
 
I was looking at WF for another person and came upon this stone. Perhaps this would meet your brief (and apologies if this has already been posted). I don't think it will last long, so I'd ask for a hold if you are interested.

Diamond | 0.805 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4421902

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.805 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4421902
www.whiteflash.com
 
Here is a 0.81 Carat I Color VS2 Clarity True Hearts Cut on JA:
Size: 5.89x6.00mm
www.jamesallen.com

0.81 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 0.81 carat I color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

1631597488836.png
 
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I just needed to take a minute from all the info, so I went and looked at settings to decide if white or yellow gold prongs looked better. I came to the conclusion I actually don’t think it really mattered much. I also want to make sure my daughter is totally good with that size, or if they want to allocate more funds. To my eyes it seemed a bit underwhelming. Not a big surprise but still. I’ll keep you posted on her decision.
 
I do have a question. There is a stone that has good numbers except for the crown angle. It gets an hca of 1.8

depth 62.5
table 57
crown angle 36
pavilion angle 40.6
stars 45
lower halves 80

There isn’t an aset or idealscope and because of COVID they don’t have that part of their office open so I can’t get one. Is it worth ordering to look at in person?
 
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