need your honest opinion on value of this ring

[momhappy]

She just wants to increase size and color while remaining in the same price range.
Just a little unrealistic unless we move to an i2 which I know we Dont want to do.

As far as the cushion halo one its egl and way out of the price range.

I want her to have a big diamond. I want to get a her a big rock. I'm not complaining at all just need to make more money. I'll get her a bigger one for our 2nd one. She is not materialistic or superficial.

As far as the little band comment...I Dont think many of the girls would agree with you. We are all here for the same thing and its not what you are describing.

Hhmmm… She said a 2.4 carat was too small, but she's not materialistic or superficial? Not that everyone who wants a big diamond (2 plus carats) is materialistic/superficial, but if someone offered me a diamond that size I most certainly would NOT be saying that it's too small. It's interesting that you seem to be the one who needs to compromise (by claiming that you need to make more money). Relationships are about both parties compromising, so while there's nothing wrong with you wanting to buy her a big diamond, there's also certainly nothing wrong with working within your budget and finding a ring that you are both happy with. Just my .02 cents.

 

[SunImNw]

Chicago

 

[momhappy]

our budget is 9k.


I got her input on it and she told me it's too small so i'm looking for a larger stone.

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=7F674355&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

WOW!, really?.. then tell her to chip in an extra $10K for the stone..

I agree.

 

[Tourmaline]

Hhmmm… She said a 2.4 carat was too small, but she's not materialistic or superficial? Not that everyone who wants a big diamond (2 plus carats) is materialistic/superficial, but if someone offered me a diamond that size I most certainly would NOT be saying that it's too small. It's interesting that you seem to be the one who needs to compromise (by claiming that you need to make more money). Relationships are about both parties compromising, so while there's nothing wrong with you wanting to buy her a big diamond, there's also certainly nothing wrong with working within your budget and finding a ring that you are both happy with. Just my .02 cents.

She actually said a 1.67ct one was too small.

 

[chrisan]

SunImNW- I think you are being very sweet for wanting to buy your gf a big diamond. And it's hard for your gf to compromise on a size she already has in mind. I'm not trying to make you upset, but I think it's more than a "little" unrealistic for wanting to purchase a close to 2c, round, colorless diamond for less than $10k. I looked on JA for round, H-K, VS2- I1, 1.75c+, and under $10K and there were only 5 stones:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?CaratFrom=1.76&CaratTo=10.00&Color=H,I,J,K&Clarity=VS2,SI1,SI2,I1&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=10000&Sort=Price%20asc,%20DefaultOrder
And only 1 out of the 5 is eye clean:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.77-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-278442
It's difficult because the two C's she cares most about: carat and color are the two factors that influence price the most. I think it's much more realistic to aim for 1.5c, H-J color, eye clean, for under $10k. Please don't feel bad for "not making enough money" to purchase something larger- I've seen gorgeous rings in ALL sizes.
About the hazy looking stone you purchased, I really hope I am wrong and they just didn't clean the stone very well before filming it- but I've learned generally when it comes to diamonds, you get what you pay for. People here looking for diamonds are not looking for a "deal", just a fair price.

 

[momhappy]

Hhmmm… She said a 2.4 carat was too small, but she's not materialistic or superficial? Not that everyone who wants a big diamond (2 plus carats) is materialistic/superficial, but if someone offered me a diamond that size I most certainly would NOT be saying that it's too small. It's interesting that you seem to be the one who needs to compromise (by claiming that you need to make more money). Relationships are about both parties compromising, so while there's nothing wrong with you wanting to buy her a big diamond, there's also certainly nothing wrong with working within your budget and finding a ring that you are both happy with. Just my .02 cents.

She actually said a 1.67ct one was too small.

Ah, you're right. I thought he was referring to the original stone. Still, most women (that I know anyways) would be happy to have a 1.67 carat and even if they joked about wanting something bigger, they certainly wouldn't come right and reject such a generous offer. I realize that size varies a lot, but typically, couples work together to find a ring as opposed to strictly one partner trying to please the other.
Anyway, best of luck on your ring search OP. I hope that you find a ring that you can both be happy with

 

[Tourmaline]

I agree, momhappy, but I don't think she's trying to get him to spend more. I am surprised that she wants terrible clarity so that she can have a larger stone. We all have our most important Cs, I guess. For me, they were size and clarity. For many people, they are cut and color.

 

[chrisan]

so im looking at stones on ja that might fit the op's criteria and found this hazy/oily stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-289330
it doesn't even have fluor!
gypsy- could it be the clouds thats making it look hazy?

anyway, for under $9k, for I-J, and S1-S2, most will be around 1.5c. I read that rounds hide/mask the most color, so you'll definitely be able to find a white diamond in the near colorless range. And yes it will be slightly whiter in the colorless range, but the difference is negligible. I think the sweet spot for a round is H-I-J, there's no need to purchase higher color especially if there are other C's you want to improve. and clarity, find the lowest clarity that is eye clean, you'll be able to find a beautiful diamond.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

...when it comes to diamonds, you get what you pay for. People here looking for diamonds are not looking for a "deal", just a fair price.

AMEN!
I would add, it's not a good idea to rush into costly decisions like this without some serious deliberation and a good measure of research. The person selling the second hand ring you were looking at did you a favor by turning down your offer. You need to get out to some stores and take a look at diamonds in person, both the ones you can and cannot afford. See if you can tell the difference and what you like and don't like about each. See what your GF thinks about a bigger stone with lower color, clarity, cut, etc. as compared to a smaller higher quality one within your price range. She may not have a particularly keen eye and might me happy with a large J SI2 or what have you.

Keep in mind that since you are already thinking about upgrading in the future, you should be buying from a vendor that has a guaranteed buy back program - that way you can retain the majority of your capital for the next stone while she enjoys this one. There are a lot of ladies here that have upgraded multiple times and it seems to work out well. Good luck and don't make any rash decisions!

 

[VRBeauty]

I just want to applaud you for establishing a budget and sticking to it. If you're serious about needing another job if you want to increase the ring budget, it might be time to have a chat with your girlfriend about that ring budget... and her expectations. For example, if it's essential for her to have a ~2C center stone, some options are to delay the engagement and/or ring purchase so you can save more money, or for her to contribute towards the center stone. Or, she could agree to a smaller stone now with the understanding that you'll strive for an upgrade down the line. Is it possible for you to pick up some overtime or work on the side or something to "grow" that budget more quickly, without of course endangering your health or giving up all your free time?!

I know this goes beyond the realm of finding the best possible diamond for your budget, but I hope you and your girlfriend are on the same page when it comes to saving and spending priorities etc., since this is just the first of many financial decisions you'll be making together....

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would buy this but too small?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/star-star-gia-1-dot-70-triple-excellent-round-star-star

Go big and crappy? I think that's your strategy - in diamonds, size is not the only thing that matters.

 

[momhappy]

I just want to applaud you for establishing a budget and sticking to it. If you're serious about needing another job if you want to increase the ring budget, it might be time to have a chat with your girlfriend about that ring budget... and her expectations. For example, if it's essential for her to have a ~2C center stone, some options are to delay the engagement and/or ring purchase so you can save more money, or for her to contribute towards the center stone. Or, she could agree to a smaller stone now with the understanding that you'll strive for an upgrade down the line. Is it possible for you to pick up some overtime or work on the side or something to "grow" that budget more quickly, without of course endangering your health or giving up all your free time?!

I know this goes beyond the realm of finding the best possible diamond for your budget, but I hope you and your girlfriend are on the same page when it comes to saving and spending priorities etc., since this is just the first of many financial decisions you'll be making together....

I agree. I think that her expectations (and OPs) are completely unrealistic and some sort of compromise is going to have to be made.

 

[tyty333]

I would buy this but too small?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/star-star-gia-1-dot-70-triple-excellent-round-star-star

Go big and crappy? I think that's your strategy - in diamonds, size is not the only thing that matters.

That would be a great deal and a beautiful stone but its not in the budget either.

I hate to see people buy cr@p just so they can get something big but I bet it happens all the time. So sad .
I imagine a lot of them regrett it in time when they realize that their stone does not sparkle like their friends
or other family members.

 

[SunImNw]

Really? i didnt think the james allen diamond was crap?

Strong words...

I'm just going to go with it the JA & we'll just have to upgrade when that time comes.

She and i combined make a decent living...We are able to buy a 2ct triple x if we wanted to. We just have a budget that we need to abide by. Perhaps my verbiage was a little strong when I said I have to find a new job. I tend to be overdramatic sometimes.

 

[luvdajules]

Found this one on Ritani ad, it keeps following me around on my pages (very sticky)...maybe getting closer? You have a great budget and although it's a challenge for what you are looking for, maybe we can get as close to your parameters as possible for a new stone. It's about $10.4k for a 2 ct 8mm mrb. It seems your intended isn't so hung up on clarity (it's an Si2) and AGS0 ideal cut? It still gets Gia XXX, and has VSF so the fluoro might help the I color even more. Ritani has a 30 day full refund policy and it can be shipped to a local jeweler at no cost to you (free preview with a cc on hold).

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-01-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-MQS27Q?cvosrc=display.criteo.52326&utm_campaign=52326&utm_content=468x60&utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display

ooops, sorry you just replied saying you got the JA stone. Do you mean the 1.77 ct K/VS? If so, congrats...I think that's a winner! It looks just great from the rotating image, crisp, lots of contrast and excellent cut. JA is a great retailer too. The size too is great as it's just a 0.2mm diameter from a 2 ct. Great selection and just under budget, Bravo!!

 

[chrono]

I'm just going to go with it the JA & we'll just have to upgrade when that time comes.

Just making sure you know that you must meet certain requirements for the upgrade:
1. Buy back at 70% of the original price.
2. Or you must spend 2x the original price to receive 100% credit.
http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/upgrade-policies.html

 

[doberman]

Truly I hope you send that JA stone back. The only thing you're looking at is size. I confess to not subscribing to that philosophy - at all. But then I didn't give my husband size parameters when we got engaged I do worry that when she spots the inclusions they will bother her and then she will be on you for an upgrade. I would make an offer on the diamond bistro stone since it can be sold separately from the setting.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I'm just going to go with it the JA & we'll just have to upgrade when that time comes.

Just making sure you know that you must meet certain requirements for the upgrade:
1. Buy back at 70% of the original price.
2. Or you must spend 2x the original price to receive 100% credit.
http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/upgrade-policies.html

Yep, that's the reason why I'd prefer buying from GOG,WF and BGD.

 

[SunImNw]

I'm just going to go with it the JA & we'll just have to upgrade when that time comes.

Just making sure you know that you must meet certain requirements for the upgrade:
1. Buy back at 70% of the original price.
2. Or you must spend 2x the original price to receive 100% credit.
http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/upgrade-policies.html

Yep, that's the reason why I'd prefer buying from GOG,WF and BGD.

selection is just not there for gog

i just order a diamond from whiteflash for my mom i had an overall good experience but their delivery terms and return policy are sore points. bgd is priced too high.

Truly I hope you send that JA stone back. The only thing you're looking at is size. I confess to not subscribing to that philosophy - at all. But then I didn't give my husband size parameters when we got engaged I do worry that when she spots the inclusions they will bother her and then she will be on you for an upgrade. I would make an offer on the diamond bistro stone since it can be sold separately from the setting.

what makes you think that there is a glaring inclusion? It's zoomed in at 40x and yes i see inclusions but i dont see any glaring ones....

an i1 is probably not for you but that doesnt mean it's not the right choice for me.

bistro selection is lacking.. either 1. people are asking for too much 2. hard to find something within my parameters 3. hard to return if something goes wrong

 

[Roqsteady]

I would buy this but too small?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/star-star-gia-1-dot-70-triple-excellent-round-star-star

Go big and crappy? I think that's your strategy - in diamonds, size is not the only thing that matters.

What a great find!

G?! Eye clean SI-1?! 1.7 ct?! XXX 1.7 HCA for 10k?!?! This would easily be over 15k at least on any vendor. If I hadn't ordered my diamond already I'd have snatched this up in a heartbeat.

 

[Gypsy]

I would buy this but too small?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/star-star-gia-1-dot-70-triple-excellent-round-star-star

Go big and crappy? I think that's your strategy - in diamonds, size is not the only thing that matters.

What a great find!

G?! Eye clean SI-1?! 1.7 ct?! XXX 1.7 HCA for 10k?!?! This would easily be over 15k at least on any vendor. If I hadn't ordered my diamond already I'd have snatched this up in a heartbeat.

Totally agree.