Jewelry Store Engagement Diamond

[Svman989]

Good afternoon everyone,

A few weeks ago I put a deposit on a diamond but decided against purchasing it from the jewelry store as I had reservations about it. I've since moved to a new area and have started looking in other stores. I've found that the stores can get the 4C's within my budget but every time I return home and run the diamond through the HCA it returns some abysmal score of 5 or 6. In person the diamond looks good as it has great color, and is triple excellent. I've only seen one diamond which was below 2, and it was sold the next time I returned to the jeweler. Jewelry stores typically talk down against purchasing diamonds online and recommend against it (makes sense as they take business away from the stores) but I am able to find plenty of options online within my price range and within the HCA recommendation.

The most recent stone was a 1.31 triple e and looked great in person but returned an HCA of 5. Should I ask the jeweler to include those recommended specifications (table,depth, etc.) into their search or am I entering a point in which I am asking for additional search criteria which may not provide a noticeable difference to the eye?

All advice is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[rockysalamander]

Are you personally against buying online? Folks on this board can educate you (beyond the HCA tool) and guide you through the buying process online and even with a B&M. We are often more neutral, as we have nothing to financially gain.

You could post your budget and wants (color, clarity) and see what folks here can find you.

If you are wanting to work with a B&M store, then I would tell them the angles you want to see that will likely achieve the appropriate HCA score. I think if you saw a well-cut stone next to one that had an HCA of 5, you would see the difference. Depending on your geography, there may be PS-known B&M stores that can be suggested that may be more knowledgeable about diamonds (which many stores really are not).

 

[DejaWiz]

I recommend that you stay firm with your local jewelers and tell them the criteria that you want, no compromises, and see if they can source you a diamond that meets the requirements:

Diamond Proportions

The physics of light-behavior within a diamond are reliably consistent, which means proportions measurements can be useful.

www.pricescope.com

Diamonds are not a cheap commodity, so assure yourself that you'll accept nothing less than the perfect cut for the color, carat, and clarity that you want.
It's your money, so make them work for and earn it .

 

[mwilliamanderson]

rockysalamander and Dejawiz are offering great advice! A whole room full of diamonds cut to similar proportions can look pretty good given all that jewelry store lighting and having nothing better to compare them to.

 

[Svman989]

I'm not against ordering online but individuals I've spoken to have recommended going in person as you can see the diamond and confirm potential inclusions, color, etc. I've also been told due to the markup on diamonds, the B&M can work with you to reduce the price.

I'm currently located in the Lansing, MI area.

I'd like to spend no more than $11,000 on a diamond, for a rose gold halo setting. I'd like to stay around the 1.20 - 1.3 carat range as the soon to be fiancé has small hands and a ring finger of a 4 so I want to make sure it looks great and doesn't look too substantial on her hand. If the right diamond was found online, I would be open to purchasing it.

 

[Lookinagain]

I'm not against ordering online but individuals I've spoken to have recommended going in person as you can see the diamond and confirm potential inclusions, color, etc. I've also been told due to the markup on diamonds, the B&M can work with you to reduce the price.

You can confirm potential inclusions, color, etc. when buying online. And honestly, B & M stores generally have such a high mark up, that they have wiggle room to "bargain". But they are still generally more expensive for equivalent stones, understandably, because they have the overhead of a store front. The recommended vendors on here usually have great return policies too.
People on here love to help people like you find beautiful diamonds in their budget.

 

[lovedogs]

I echo the advice given above. I would avoid a stone with HCA of 5-6. We are happy to help you find something much better for your budget.

 

[Bron357]

Hi, as this is likely your first diamond purchase and for a very special person and reason, it’s important to learn as much as you can before buying.
While well meaning people tell you to view in person, honestly, you won’t know what you are looking at or for.
Aside from the obvious colour and clarity grades which should be detailed on an appropriate lab report, it is cut and cut alone that provides the sparkle.
Many believe cut is king, the no 1 factor to consider yet most diamond buyers only know to check color and clarity grade. Often Jewellers, whose interest is in selling you a diamond, may or may not be “on board” with the importance of proportions.
Its all based on the combination of angles that return light back to the eye. The lighting is jewellery stores costs them thousands of dollars, it is specifically set up to make any and every gem look amazing. Amazing looking gems sell.
These days buyers are spoilt for not only choice but also information and assessment tools. Some “bricks and mortar” jewelers will put the “fear of God” in you for even considering buying online, others will decline to work with gemstones they didn’t source and provide and this is based on financial considerations, if they don’t sell you the diamond they don’t get a cut of your $$$$. This is totally fine, a jeweller has the right to expect fair renumeration for their efforts in sourcing and calling in diamonds to view but the fact is that these days it can make more sense to search on line.

 

[DejaWiz]

How do these look?

Diamond | 1.170 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4060826

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.170 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4060826

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.224 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4397881

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.224 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4397881

www.whiteflash.com

All of Whiteflash's A Cut Above diamonds are guaranteed super ideal cut proportions with AGS Triple Zero (better than a majority of GIA 3X), and they have one of the best upgrade programs in the industry. Bryan (Texas Leaguer) is a pretty awesome guy.

Other highly regarded super ideal cut sellers to check out:
* WolfCBI (Wink)
* Victor Canera (Victor Canera)
* Brian Gavin
* You can also talk to Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem and David (Rockdiamond) at Diamonds by Lauren...they can usually get you whatever you are looking for.

Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring - Whi... | 3884

Elevate your style with the Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Shop now at Whiteflash and let your love story unfold. | 3884

www.whiteflash.com

Full selection of their Rose Gold settings:

Diamond Halo Engagement Rings and Settings Online

If you're looking for the highest quality designer diamond halo engagement rings and settings, then visit Whiteflash today to view the full range.

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond size visualizer:

1.17ct Round Cut Diamond (6.72×6.74×4.17mm) - Actual Size

View this 1.17 carat Round cut diamond on ring and finger. Actual size of 6.72×6.74×4.17mm with 62% depth (OK) and a face-up area of 35.57mm².

www.diamdb.com

 

[lovedogs]

How do these look?

Diamond | 1.170 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4060826

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.170 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4060826

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.224 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4397881

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.224 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4397881

www.whiteflash.com

Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring - Whi... | 3884

Elevate your style with the Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Shop now at Whiteflash and let your love story unfold. | 3884

www.whiteflash.com

Full selection of their Rose Gold settings:

Diamond Halo Engagement Rings and Settings Online

If you're looking for the highest quality designer diamond halo engagement rings and settings, then visit Whiteflash today to view the full range.

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond size visualizer:

1.17ct Round Cut Diamond (6.72×6.74×4.17mm) - Actual Size

View this 1.17 carat Round cut diamond on ring and finger. Actual size of 6.72×6.74×4.17mm with 62% depth (OK) and a face-up area of 35.57mm².

www.diamdb.com

Much better options

 

[Svman989]

I really appreciate the support from everyone in this community. I've spent over a month trying to find a B&M who could provide me diamonds which met my criteria and a ring. I have been working with a local jeweler and did find a ring which I liked (Photo attached). My GF showed me some sample photos she was interested in, told me a color and to stop asking as I had all the information I needed to figure it out haha.

As for diamonds, I've only been shown or looked at GIA diamonds, can someone provide some additional resources for AGS diamonds?

 

[Svman989]

How do these look?

Diamond | 1.170 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4060826

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.170 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4060826

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.224 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4397881

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.224 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4397881

www.whiteflash.com

All of Whiteflash's A Cut Above diamonds are guaranteed super ideal cut proportions with AGS Triple Zero (better than a majority of GIA 3X), and they have one of the best upgrade programs in the industry. Bryan (Texas Leaguer) is a pretty awesome guy.

Other highly regarded super ideal cut sellers to check out:
* WolfCBI (Wink)
* Victor Canera (Victor Canera)
* Brian Gavin
* You can also talk to Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem and David (Rockdiamond) at Diamonds by Lauren...they can usually get you whatever you are looking for.

Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring - Whi... | 3884

Elevate your style with the Ritani 1RZ1323 Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Shop now at Whiteflash and let your love story unfold. | 3884

www.whiteflash.com

Full selection of their Rose Gold settings:

Diamond Halo Engagement Rings and Settings Online

If you're looking for the highest quality designer diamond halo engagement rings and settings, then visit Whiteflash today to view the full range.

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond size visualizer:

1.17ct Round Cut Diamond (6.72×6.74×4.17mm) - Actual Size

View this 1.17 carat Round cut diamond on ring and finger. Actual size of 6.72×6.74×4.17mm with 62% depth (OK) and a face-up area of 35.57mm².

www.diamdb.com

I took a look at Pricescopes reviews on e-commerce vendors and then looked at information pertaining to Whiteflash.

What do you think about these options for the rose gold ring? I'd like to get closer to 1.3 carats and a stick around an G-H color.

Diamond | 1.340 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4226211

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.340 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4226211

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.247 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4222748

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.247 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4222748

www.whiteflash.com

 

[DejaWiz]

I took a look at Pricescopes reviews on e-commerce vendors and then looked at information pertaining to Whiteflash.

What do you think about these options for the rose gold ring? I'd like to get closer to 1.3 carats and a stick around an G-H color.

Diamond | 1.340 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4226211

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.340 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4226211

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.247 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4222748

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.247 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4222748

www.whiteflash.com

Can't go wrong with either of those!

Sorry, I misunderstood your previous post in regards to your budget: I interpreted it as $11K for the diamond and rose gold setting, combined, so I adjusted diamond pricing to what I thought was going to fit the overall package price.

 

[DejaWiz]

Here are some great articles in regards to AGS:

AGS Ideal Cut

The American Gem Society Lab (AGS) began proportion based Cut grading in 1996 (AGA started earlier) based on Tolkowsky‘ proportions. The top grade was AGS 0 and the worst was […]

www.pricescope.com

A Guide to The AGS vs The GIA

An overview of the differences between The AGS vs The GIA diamond cut grades. Distinct systems that give significantly different results.

www.whiteflash.com

 

[DejaWiz]

I really appreciate the support from everyone in this community. I've spent over a month trying to find a B&M who could provide me diamonds which met my criteria and a ring. I have been working with a local jeweler and did find a ring which I liked (Photo attached). My GF showed me some sample photos she was interested in, told me a color and to stop asking as I had all the information I needed to figure it out haha.

As for diamonds, I've only been shown or looked at GIA diamonds, can someone provide some additional resources for AGS diamonds?

How's this Ritani setting look to you?
If it's not jumping out at you, then you can ask Whiteflash (or any other seller that you inquire with) if they can either source it or custom make it based on the info and pictures that you have for the one you posted.

Ritani 1RZ1318 Diamond Engagement Ring - Whiteflash | 5221

Experience sophistication with Ritani 1RZ1318 Diamond Engagement Ring. Find your perfect ring at Whiteflash. | 5221

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Kaycee2018]

Focus on the diamond, not the “ring”. Most settings (ie, “rings”) are available from any retailer or can easily be duplicated or customized to your liking. The specs for the diamond are what will make the ring. Stick to proportions @DejaWiz linked above (via AGS, which is generally a given in their ideal/000 grade or within GIA’s Excellent cut grade). Those specs reflect proportions that optimize how light reflects through modern round brilliant cut diamonds for optimum performance. GIA Excellent cut is very broad. By sticking to those proportions you are more likely to find a stone that performs well under all lighting conditions and outperforming your “standard” GIA Excellent cut graded stone. Minimizing dark spots, dead zone, etc., and making for a brighter and more lively stone in various lighting. Advanced images like IS or ASET will help in confirming (Standard with AGS stones, but sometimes available from GIA supplieres as well).

 

[Tourmaline]

Good afternoon everyone,

A few weeks ago I put a deposit on a diamond but decided against purchasing it from the jewelry store as I had reservations about it. I've since moved to a new area and have started looking in other stores. I've found that the stores can get the 4C's within my budget but every time I return home and run the diamond through the HCA it returns some abysmal score of 5 or 6. In person the diamond looks good as it has great color, and is triple excellent. I've only seen one diamond which was below 2, and it was sold the next time I returned to the jeweler. Jewelry stores typically talk down against purchasing diamonds online and recommend against it (makes sense as they take business away from the stores) but I am able to find plenty of options online within my price range and within the HCA recommendation.

The most recent stone was a 1.31 triple e and looked great in person but returned an HCA of 5. Should I ask the jeweler to include those recommended specifications (table,depth, etc.) into their search or am I entering a point in which I am asking for additional search criteria which may not provide a noticeable difference to the eye?

All advice is appreciated!

Thanks

Advice: buy online instead.

 

[sarahb]

Hi there & welcome to PS!

I’m in your state, & let me tell you: you will be hard pressed to find anything even close to the sheer volume of Ideal Cut diamond selection anywhere in this state—than you will find at a Whiteflash, or any other PS vendor. Believe me, I’ve done my homework.

There’s a reason local sells against online. It isn’t because local has superior goods or better prices…it’s because they/local simply can’t compete with a Whiteflash. Not in selection, price or customer service. If you can even find an AGS Ideal cut in MI (I’ve never seen one anywhere in this state), I’d be hard pressed to think you could get an apple for apple ideal cut ACA type stone anywhere, cheaper, locally.

I’ve made many purchases from WF. But my very first purchase was indeed nerve wracking. I never looked back after that initial step, and my ACA’s from WF are stunning compared to anything I’ve seen locally.

You are getting great advice from everyone, best of luck to you!

 

[RayRay]

Please buy online wish we had learned that 7 years ago!

 

[CountingStars]

Whiteflash is amazing. I purchased my wife’s e-ring from them 5 years ago and am in the process of upgrading her ring with them for our anniversary. They gave me back 100% of my diamond purchase price and 50% of the setting. It’s also nice knowing whatever diamond you buy from them is gonna be a top performing diamond with their “a cut above”. They have been just as excellent customer service wise upgrading as they were when I purchased her original ring.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

The quality online vendors have good return policies. I personally have returned to JA with zero hassle. May as well take others’ advice and buy online.

 

[WDWDiamond]

If you have some time browse through this post. Some good info on the “why to buy” behind super ideal diamonds (WF, BGD, Wolf/CBI).

Is whiteflash a cut above all that? second option...

Looking for some help, doing some research I see whiteflash come up ALL the time. Wondering if their "a cut above" is actually any better? For instance, here's a stone from rockher which I haven't heard much about vs a whiteflash, is WF worth the extra $. Also attached is the gia for the...

www.pricescope.com

Specifically post #3 and post #36

 

[Svman989]

Hey everyone,

I've decided to purchase online and am looking at diamonds from WF. In the store, I was told the rose gold setting would allow me to go darker in color. They had recommended I color but I'd like to look at G-H. If I go to G-H color will I be able to tell the difference once it is set in the ring compared to I color?

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Hey everyone,

I've decided to purchase online and am looking at diamonds from WF. In the store, I was told the rose gold setting would allow me to go darker in color. They had recommended I color but I'd like to look at G-H. If I go to G-H color will I be able to tell the difference once it is set in the ring compared to I color?

Most of us can see the difference between G and I and most of us have a strong color preference although opinions vary widely as to what is tolerable or preferable.

You shouldn't have any problem setting a G or H stone in whatever metal you want, including platinum. When diamonds are lower in color such as J,K,L and further down the alphabet people will sometimes use warmer metals like unplated white gold, yellow gold and rose gold to enhance the color of their diamond. However it is all very subjective and up to your own personal taste.

Go to the Show me the bling forum and you can see all the variations first hand.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

FWIW I hated my old I set in platinum. I have a K set in rose gold that looks pretty but it is not my one-and-only diamond. If it were I would want a higher color even set in rose gold.

H set in rose gold would look fabulous. Just make sure the melee aren’t disproportionately white. But WF or another quality ring designer will help you with that.

 

[DejaWiz]

Hey everyone,

I've decided to purchase online and am looking at diamonds from WF. In the store, I was told the rose gold setting would allow me to go darker in color. They had recommended I color but I'd like to look at G-H. If I go to G-H color will I be able to tell the difference once it is set in the ring compared to I color?

Yes, a rose gold setting *can* allow you to go with a more tinted/lower color grade, but you have to *want* to do that. Pure personal preference.

Just keep in mind that a super ideal cut MRB diamond that doesn't rely on gathering light from the underside at the pavilion area (like poorly cut diamonds do) won't show much if any color of the setting when viewed normally, from the top. In other words, the metal color won't have an impact on the color appearance of the diamond.

There are a handful of threads floating around that focus on colorless diamonds set in yellow or rose gold...the super ideal cut examples are nothing short of spectacular.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Svman989]

Based upon feedback, basic research and what I am comfortable with, I will be looking to place the following diamond into a rose gold setting.

Diamond | 1.340 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4226211

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.340 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4226211

www.whiteflash.com

As for the ring, my GF did not give me a lot of details to work with other than a few photos of things she liked, and that she wanted rose gold. She does not wear a lot of flashy jewelry in general and didn't want anything too flashy. Her hand size is a 4 and she is 5' 1" to put size into perspective. With that being said, based upon the pictures she provided me I've narrowed it down to a few different rings.

I'd like to know based upon the photos she provided me, are the following rings in line with the photos she provided me? If so, I'd like to know your thoughts as to which ring may match her style (based upon photos).

***rings are in no specific order***

The first ring is a Halo ring with a twisting band. WF has a very similar band to the one pictured. I've attached the link to the similar ring on WF below. https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tani-1rz1318-diamond-engagement-ring-5221.htm



The second ring, I found on WF. It is a simple 3 stone ring.

Ritani 1RZ1010 Three Stone Engagement Ring - Whit... | 3849

Elevate your style with the Ritani 1RZ1010 Three Stone Engagement Ring. Discover this captivating ring at Whiteflash and let your love story shine. | 3849

www.whiteflash.com

Finally, the following ring was found from the local jewelers website. I thought it was an interesting combination and it caught my eye. I have not seen this in person and would have to custom order it from WF which means I would not be able to return it.

The below photo is a collage of some of the ideas she provided me.

 

[CSpan]

If I am not mistaken 2nd one down on the right is a stuller setting or they make one just like it.

First row 2nd down

 

[CSpan]

Hit return too fast. I wonder if she prefers a halo or smaller side stones more, hmm.

What I would do is figure out which 2 or 3 you think would be the most flattering, FYI top left has trillions which will be more than small rounds. Take the photo and do a Google lens search or tineye search and see if the manufacturer of the setting pops up. Then you can ask WF to source the setting.

I think This is one of them too.

 

[DejaWiz]

After looking at the pictures l, have you seen this one? Has a cross prong layout with an infinity pave design that wrap up onto the opposing prongs.

Simon G. MR1394 Fabled Diamond Engagement Ring | 3436

Elevate your style with the Simon G. MR1394 Fabled Diamond Engagement Ring. Discover this captivating ring at Whiteflash and let your love story unfold. | 3436

www.whiteflash.com