Looking for value for money

[Alex Heatly]

Hi everyone

My partner and I have come to the next stage in our relationship and so I am setting the task of finding a beautiful ring to propose.

My partner has already told me what she likes but I wish to find out if it is good value for money or am I getting ripped of by another B&M store. Today I checked out the ring she wanted:

Sir Michael Hill Designer Bridal Double Halo Engagement Ring with 1.20 Carat TW of Diamonds in 14kt White Gold

The perfect proposal deserves no less than this engagement ring showcasing 1.20 carat total weight of diamonds. Featuring a pear-shaped centrepiece surrounded by a double halo of diamonds, the central setting is further enhanced with diamond set shoulders, and a pink sapphire set in 14kt rose...

www.michaelhill.com.au

They did have a D colour and an H colour and I could tell how much clearer the D was with my naked eye. Overall, I am pretty keen on this ring but just want to find out if it is worth what they are advertising (please note it is in AUD).

Cheers

 

[tyty333]

Yes, unfortunately, that is overpriced. It says it has a .45 center stone so most of the diamond weight is in the halos.

We can see what we can find that is not as expensive and hopefully nicer. What is your budget?

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

The design of that ring is very pretty but it doesn't look like they are using high quality diamonds though. It simply states the is colour I which leaves a huge range! Clarity I1 is poor. It also mentions it comes with an 'independently verified diamond certificate', is that actually GIA or just another independent body?

Are they charging that price or more for the D colour?

If you break down the components into the diamond and the setting, it will be easier to see how much it is worth.

Let's assume you use a much better centre diamond.

Diamond:

The centre stone is only 0.45ct so you could get it for probably within $1000.
Here is an example of 0.42ct D VS1:

0.42 Carat pear diamond

This pear shaped 0.42 carat D color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

If you went for a larger stone, say 0.6ct D VS1, that will be around $1850.
Here is an example:

0.61 Carat pear diamond

This pear shaped 0.61 carat D color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Setting:

In the case for this ring of you are considering, the double halo setting is large part of the cost. Here is a double halo example from James Allen for $1830:

14K White Gold Double Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

This striking ring features a lavish halo of sparkling diamonds and a double shank for double glamour. This engagement ring is bold, elegant and unforgettable.

www.jamesallen.com

So it would be $2780 for 0.42ct or $3680 for 0.61ct D VS1 for the diamond and the setting in this example.

Assuming you are in Australia, you'll need to pay GST but not the 5% duty on the ring if it is made in US with US material because of AUSFTA. Whiteflash has a good page explaining this:

The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement | Whiteflash

Information and Links regarding preferential treatment of Australian customs for jewelry products from the United States.

www.whiteflash.com

If you decide to buy a loose diamond online, it is always duty free, so only subject to GST.

Even after factoring in the GST, online will be cheaper and you will get to choose a better diamond but you'll want to do more research on shopping for pear diamonds before you buy.

 

[tyty333]

So, James Allen has this setting.

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

For your reference I've included some resources that specifically talks about shopping for pear shaped diamonds:

Pear Shaped Diamond: Tips for Picking the Perfect One

A pear shaped diamond is an elegant engagement ring choice. Learn about symmetry, culet placement, protective settings and more before you shop.

4cs.gia.edu

Ultimate Pear Shaped Diamond Buying Guide for Brilliance

A pear shaped diamond combines the characteristics of round and marquise-shaped diamonds to form an elongated tear-drop shape that sparkles brilliantly.

niceice.com

The Pear Shaped Diamond Guide – The Elegant Hybrid of Round and Marquise

People are intrigued with pear-shaped diamonds because the cut suggests different undertones. Some see it as a tear-drop conveying the tears of […]

yourdiamondteacher.com

Ultimate Pear Cut Diamonds Guide (Best Proportions, Tips, Setting Ideas)

Find out how to select a beautiful pear cut diamond with our proven tips (to save money) and the best proportions to look for. Also, get ring ideas here!

beyond4cs.com

Even if you wanted to go with a local jeweler, it is worthwhile understanding how to choose a good diamond so you know how to assess the purchase.

If you like that specific setting, perhaps you can find a suitable diamond online and identify and put it 'on hold' and show it (the listing) to a good jeweler locally or even online to see if they can custom make a setting to your partner's requirements and set that stone for you or find one comparable one at a competitive price.

 

[Alex Heatly]

Yes, unfortunately, that is overpriced. It says it has a .45 center stone so most of the diamond weight is in the halos.

We can see what we can find that is not as expensive and hopefully nicer. What is your budget?

Hi there,

I am looking at max $6,000AUD. Could it be better to buy and import a loose diamond and find a good setting over here?

 

[DejaWiz]

I'll echo what the others are saying: you can get a much better deal while going way bigger and better clarity for the pear solitaire.

Here's a 0.73 D VVS2 and a single halo for just under USD$4200:

Review Completed Jewel

Discover our unique collection of gemstone engagement rings recently designed by our customers. Get inspired by their gemstone creations and start sparkling!

www.jamesallen.com

This 0.73ct measurements: 8.31x4.86mm
Typical 0.45ct measurements: 6.8x4.3mm

...you won't need the second halo to make up for the smaller 0.45ct size compared to this 0.73ct (merely my opinion).

 

[DejaWiz]

Another thought, and I'm just throwing this out there, is to maximize the diamond and get a simple presentation solitaire setting for something to wear now, then shop for a setting together as a post-wedding adventure or a future anniversary treat.

Here's a 1.0ct D SI1 and 14K white gold six prong setting for under USD$4200:

Review Completed Jewel

Discover our unique collection of gemstone engagement rings recently designed by our customers. Get inspired by their gemstone creations and start sparkling!

www.jamesallen.com

 

[lovedogs]

Completely agree with others that I would avoid the original one you posted. Its overpriced and you can find better (even including GST)

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

For max value for money, you really want to concentrate your budget on the centre stone.

Here is an example of a 0.45ct (6.52x4.27mm) vs 0.71ct (6.52x4.27mm) diamond with a similar length to width ratio (1.52 and 1.53, within recommended ranges) so you can compare size. Click on the 'view size' icon to see how it looks as a solitaire on the hand - big difference in appearance!

0.45 Carat pear diamond

This pear shaped 0.45 carat G color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.71 Carat pear diamond

This pear shaped 0.71 carat D color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

If you get a setting with a single halo, you should still be around your budget post GST even for the 0.71ct D VS2 stone. As mentioned by DejaWiz above, you probably won't need that second halo if you have that bigger centre stone!

 

[DejaWiz]

To add to what @Diamond_Enthusiast has stated, here is a website that can give a general overview of size comparisons for diamonds:

Diamond Database - Compare Diamond Shapes and Sizes

Diamond comparison platform where you can compare and evaluate actual diamond sizes on ring and finger. Explore diamond shapes, get buying advice.

www.diamdb.com

0.45ct vs 0.71ct




0.45ct vs 1.00ct

 

[Mrs Flowers]

So, James Allen has this setting.

Oooh I LOVE this setting. If I didn’t love my pear studs so much I’d be tempted to put one of them in this heavenly setting.

 

[AprilBaby]

No way I would buy an I1 stone.

 

[Monnyjay]

Hi there Alex, I would never purchase from Mjh. If you go to www.jogiadiamonds.com.au they have a beautiful GVs2 0.81 pear in their signature series diamonds. I think you will find the price is within your budget. I purchased a round brilliant for my daughter’s birthday earlier this year from them. You won’t be disappointed. They are located in Perth WA.

 

[maryjane04]

Hi there,

I am looking at max $6,000AUD. Could it be better to buy and import a loose diamond and find a good setting over here?

Settings in Australia cost way more. If you're getting it from JA then get the setting too.