Is it common to purchase setting and diamond separately?

[diaby2AFC]

Hi guys. I just started into looking for an engagement ring and this forum, along with google searches, have been pretty helpful. So thank you!

Basically I'm looking for something with a $2000 budget.

I did a google search and read an article saying that it could be cheaper to buy a setting and loose diamond separately. I think I may go for a loose diamond from either Whiteflash or James Allen. Though this from BlueNile seems tempting: Signature Ideal-cut, F-color, VS1-clarity, Round, 0.46-carat Diamond Stock #: LD01706509. Thoughts?

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?override=1&pid=LD01706509&offer_id=9937&ring_size=6&forceStep=BASKET_STEP

I suppose the Signature Ideal cut isn't as quality as the Hearts and Arrows. (I'm not sure what I'm talking about though).


Assuming, I can find a proper diamond. Would it be wise to find a setting at a cheaper retailer? Perhaps maybe overstock or Ross Simons? I suppose I only need to know the size and shape of the diamond so it can fit the specifications of the setting.

Am I talking rubbish here?

 

[diaby2AFC]

Also. What are your thoughts on these three:


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1287672.asp
0.53 Carat H-VS2 Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut Round Diamond


http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=sig&filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01852829
0.56-Carat Blue Nile Signature Asscher Cut Diamond - , G-color, and VS1-clarity Diamond comes accompanied by diamond grading reports from the GIA and GCAL.


http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2430948.htm
0.545 ct H VS2 Whiteflash ACA Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond

 

[stone-cold11]

BN Signature Ideal is supposedly H&A but BN do not show the hearts and arrows image to support the claim.

You could buy them separately but check with the jeweler if he is willing to set external stone, how much is he charging for setting it and if he is willing to cover the replacement cost for the stone if, a very very small chance, he chips it during setting.

 

[stone-cold11]

JA stone looks good, WF stone should not be in the ACA category as the separation between the chevrons and the hearts are not well defined on some places, you can probably argue that with WF and get a discount with the stone being in the ES category instead.

BN stone is a different beast. Asscher has a totally different look, usually girls who likes round do not like square shapes. Make sure you know which your gf prefers.

 

[diaby2AFC]

That's spectacular Stone-Cold11. I have no idea what you just said about Whiteflash's stone about the separation nor where you got that info from but I somehow believe you.

About that Asscher shape, I wasn't particularly specifying shape but rather more on the cut/clarity, etc.. I wouldn't know what my gf like but I suppose she'd be happy with round. I guess that's the more popular one out there.

 

[stone-cold11]

Look at the hearts image and compared with this article and how WF supposedly grades their ACA.

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/hearts_and_arrows_diamonds_and_basics_diamond_cutting

EDT:
For the BN stone, cannot tell much from the reports as even the GCAL report states that the cut grade is based on proportion rather than performance and the the images shown we do not know the lighting set up to judge how it will behave outside of the image taking set up.

 

[slg47]

yeah I am not sure how much you would save with shipping and setting insurance, etc...make sure it would be a significant savings. I think all of the vendors you have listed have reasonably priced solitaire settings

 

[Amys Bling]

I think that the vendors your mentioned- Good Old Gold, Whiteflash, James Allen and Blue Nile are all good places to look. I would find out if those vendors will: A. set a stone from another vendor B. at what cost. It *may* be more cost efficient to purchase the stone and setting from the same vendor- since they will not charge a setting fee- you won't need setting insurance, and you wont need to ship the stone to them and insure the shipping.

With that said, if the setting from one vendor is a few hunderd different in price, it may be cheaper to buy from different vendors. All depends on the price of the setting, andthe price of the other variables.

H&A and ACA are the signature ideal cut is typically considered "better" than the excellent cuts. It's a matter of opinion if you want to go with an ACA or H&A over an "ideal" or "excellent". You tend to pay a premium for the ACA and H&A so figure out what is more improtant to you. a signature cut ideal, or an excellent cut stone.