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Overwhelmed newbie, loose diamond hunting. HELP!!

rj1004

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 21, 2013
Messages
7
Okay here goes! I am confidently ready to ask my wonderful girlfriend of 6 years to marry me. I have narrowed it down to two different ring settings from Danhov via JA, and as a layman to the whole process was hoping some of you kind folks out there might help me in selecting a reasonably priced round diamond. My only criteria is that it has be at least .75c to fit the setting, and my budget is up to about $2500 for the stone. From what I am seeing this may land me around an Ideal/Very good, E/F/G, SI1? The part where I am getting overwhelmed is in deciphering all of the other data provided on the stones, and knowing what sets one a part from another when they have the same basic stats. Any helpful info to aid in my search or even some links to diamonds you believe may be worth considering are much appreciated! Thanks in advance!! :)

Here are links to the settings:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...alo-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-935
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...ulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317
 
You need to stick with ideal cut stones. I only saw one that fit into you buget over .75 and the pavilion angle is a little high.
You might ask for an idealscope image to see how much leakage there is.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.75-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-146952

Edit - I like both of those settings but if it were for me I would go with the first one. I like the slightly tilted halo
vs. the very flat one on the second setting. Its just more pleasing to me.
 
Well just a couple of things. I know it says the min ctw is .75. But I have seen them do it for smaller ctw than the website says. So you could ask them if they would do another size.

Also your budget seems pretty good. If you want to put more toward the stone you can still get a good setting. Heres one thats .75 and total was I think under 3500.so just something to consider. Its really lovely

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-some-feedback-help-please.184098/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-some-feedback-help-please.184098/[/URL]
 
I think something is going to have to give, I couldn't find anything within your criteria either. I would either lower color and clarity requirements or ask the vendor if the setting can be modified to fit a slightly smaller center stone.
 
Well, what if you went with this setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Halo/18k-White-Gold-Pave-Halo-and-Shank-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-6802

and this center, a .77 G SI1 which would come to about $2,900 after the PS discount that JA offers, and it scored a 1.5 on the HCA. If you like it, I'd put it on hold ASAP and request an idealscope image:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.77-carat-G-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-146948

even if you got this setting with the above center, you'd still be around $4700 ish for the whole thing :

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Halo/14k-White-Gold-Pave-Halo-Shoulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317
 
I think if you drop to H/I you might find something the right size. I think a .75ct stone should be around 5.8 and in most settings there is a little wiggle room but you should find out how much. There's absolutely nothing wrong with an H, even I. They are both still in the near colorless range. Unless you are super color sensitive, or there is a personal reason to want an E/F/G stone I'd relax the color criteria a little. If you're just not sure because you've always been told it has to be E/F to sparkle, then that is incorrect. It's a well proportioned stone that sparkles, and an ideal cut H is going to look more bright and perform better than a poorly cut H.

Here are some that scored under 2 on the HCA (the cut tool up under the tools tab). You can look at stone reports and enter the numbers from the GIA or AGS report and it will help weed out the possible poor performers (scores over 2).

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.73-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185673

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.73-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-188439 (<= This one is a little shallow and so fairly spready for a .73ct stone at 5.87mm. That could be a good thing or maybe not so good, but it scored well on HCA).

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.72-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-186021

Don't forget about the PS discount.

Another option might be to see if you can get something similar through ID Jewelry and see if they can find a stone for you. They have pulled off some good ones on a budget.
 
04diamond<3|1358810189|3361195 said:
Well, what if you went with this setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Halo/18k-White-Gold-Pave-Halo-and-Shank-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-6802

and this center, a .77 G SI1 which would come to about $2,900 after the PS discount that JA offers, and it scored a 1.5 on the HCA. If you like it, I'd put it on hold ASAP and request an idealscope image:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.77-carat-G-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-146948

even if you got this setting with the above center, you'd still be around $4700 ish for the whole thing :

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Halo/14k-White-Gold-Pave-Halo-Shoulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317

I like this idea if you really want a G stone. Go with the slightly less expensive setting and put a little more in the stone. You'll be glad you did later and it seems like its near your budget (which looks like around $5K total).
 
Wow thanks everyone, I really appreciate this more than you know. This site is so great. After reading your suggestions, here are a couple thoughts I've had...

I spoke with JA and they did confirm that either of the two settings I linked in my original post can be made to accommodate a smaller stone than the .75ctw I initially quoted. My gf told me long ago that this (see just below) was her "dream ring" and I never forgot that. I think that is why it has been a frontrunner in my selection process.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...alo-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-935

That said, it seems like many of you believe money would be better spent by getting a cheaper setting like either of these and using the rest for a nicer center stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...ulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...iamond-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-6800

I'm torn. If I go the route of the more expensive setting, I do currently have this .70ctw diamond on hold with JA for $2100:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...t-F-color-I1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-187797

What do you think of it? It was suggested to me by the JA rep for that setting, and scores a 1.7 on the HCA. The rep assured me that it is eye clean other than a small feather near the edge, which she said could be hidden by a prong. From the photo/video that does appear to be accurate but depending on your thoughts I'd still wait for the idealscope to come back. I would be looking at $4675 before the PS or wire discounts if I chose those two. (The PS discount was news to me as well, thanks for the heads up!) Would it defeat the purpose of getting that nicer setting if I have to downgrade the stone to the .70?

If I went with one of the other two settings, I would be able to look for a higher quality/larger stone, obviously. Decisions, decisions. Oh and my last question - does anyone know how long JA will keep my diamond on hold? I can ask them later today but I was disconnected from the chat session before I had the chance to ask. As always, thanks in advance for your kind help.
 
Well, first, on that stone. I wouldn't suggest getting a stone with a feather that close to the girdle as it may cause structural issues. I also don't think you were given correct information regarding "hiding" that inclusion. If you go with you GF's "dream" setting, that's a bezel, and you will see most of that inclusion, and being an I1, you will definitely see it. The only setting out of the 3 that you posted that may cover a chunk of that inclusion is the sku #17269W14 ($1,800 setting). I would check back with JA and see if this stone won't shatter due to that feather and ask them to be totally honest. I still like the G that I posted earlier over this stone for that reason. Normally I'm a huge fan of I1 stones like this, but not when it could be a risk to the structure of the stone.

Oh, and normally a JA hold is about 24 hours. They can extend that though up to 3 times I believe, but I'd check with them again to be sure.
 
If thays her dream ring then get it for her ( i would also consifer adding millgrain. Its free and it really elevates that setting)

Whay I WOULD do then is go down to an I. A well cut one isn't going to fave up really white and in that bezel halo she isn't going to see the sides (which show more color) I don't think she would notice much of a color change but she will notice an i1 inclusion or a smaller stone
 
I agree with the others on the F. I can't honestly see how suggesting such a high color on your budget is helpful to your situation and don't really understand why they did. You have a fairly tight budget for wanting a pave shank halo as the setting and I would REALLY REALLY suggest going as big as you can for the center stone. Also, with the first setting, there are no prongs, so when the rep said it can be hidden by a prong but you are looking at a bezel setting, how's that going to work out? I think that problem was mentioned above.

My question to you would be this. Does she like the more expensive setting specifically because of the bezel and milgrain versus the prong version of it because they are very similar rings? Or is her dream setting a halo with a pave raised shank that allows her to flush fit a band? ANy of them will allow for that. The main difference in the less expensive version seems to be the prongs to hold the stone and no milgrain. I like the $1800 one as a compromise for getting a larger center stone. The cheaper one, not so much if she likes that specific type of setting like the first one. The $1800 one keeps a lot closer to the feel of the more expensive one and I wonder if you could ask for milgrain on the edges of it?



FWIW I think this thread has a ring posted from HA that may be the $900 one just so you can see what a real life image looks like instead of a computer generation (on page 4)

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-e-rings-under-5k.184135/page-4']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-e-rings-under-5k.184135/page-4[/URL]
 
bastetcat|1358869504|3361711 said:
My question to you would be this. Does she like the more expensive setting specifically because of the bezel and milgrain versus the prong version of it because they are very similar rings? Or is her dream setting a halo with a pave raised shank that allows her to flush fit a band? ANy of them will allow for that. The main difference in the less expensive version seems to be the prongs to hold the stone and no milgrain. I like the $1800 one as a compromise for getting a larger center stone. The cheaper one, not so much if she likes that specific type of setting like the first one. The $1800 one keeps a lot closer to the feel of the more expensive one and I wonder if you could ask for milgrain on the edges of it?

Great question, I only wish I knew the answer. I think maybe she liked the extra pave/channel diamonds running down the vertical prongs and around the underside of the top (sorry I lack the proper terminology). I included a picture at the bottom so you can see what I am referencing.

I like the idea of being able to flush fit a band too. Is that true of the $1800 setting as well? And if so, do any of these 13 diamonds catch your eye as a good buy/match for it?

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...ns:List|TabSelected:1|showAdvanced:|ps:10|pn:ring_9.jpg
 
nielseel|1358884055|3361869 said:
This would be my choice
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.73-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-188439


this one is a little bit smaller but i like it
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.70-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-153779

aslo ask them about a ps wire discount :)

I'd make sure to have them put on hold if you like any dont want them snatched

I also made the suggestion for this one that Nielseel is recommending in a previous post.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.73-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-188439 (<= This one is a little shallow and so fairly spready for a .73ct stone at 5.87mm. That could be a good thing or maybe not so good, but it scored well on HCA).


I actually have some good feelings on that one if you really need to come in below $3K on the stone. It's a little spready for it's weight and so ought to fit the setting without adjustments. It really couldn't hurt to put this one on hold and get an Ideascope image for it. Then we can work on a couple of others. I would do it quickly though. At least put it on hold, then you have 24 hrs to decide whether to ask for an image.

One thing that would help is more information about exactly what your budget is. Are you open to stones lower in color than G? It really will help you get a bigger stone.

I need to go back and look at images of the second setting again and see if there's a bottom view, but it honestly looks like it's built very similarly to the first, just with prongs instead of bezel and no milgrain. The shanks are very similar. It's not cut down pave, but maybe more bead set in to a channel. DOn't know about the diamonds on the underside.
 
Bastetcat I didn't even realize lol
I assumed thay would have been snatched up sense you posted it last.

I'd for sure call it in

The setting she likes is a little different than the cheaper one in that the shank is a little bit more fluid and it has those diamond prong like accents underneath

If she loves it I'd get it. Especially if you think that little umder detail is why she loves it
 
bastetcat|1358886725|3361917 said:
nielseel|1358884055|3361869 said:
This would be my choice:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/0.73-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-188439
I would do it quickly though. At least put it on hold, then you have 24 hrs to decide whether to ask for an image.

Ok, my daily update: Luckily I was able to put that stone on hold and am waiting for an Idealscope image to be emailed to me which I will post once received. They said it could take 3 days but that they would hold the diamond until that time.

Last night I was able to see the "dream" setting http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...alo-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-935 up close and personal through a local jeweler who had one shipped there for that reason. I must say I was a bit underwhelmed. What I didn't love was that the 78 pave diamonds scattered throughout were so minuscule that it almost looked like tin foil or metal in the halo vs. actual diamonds. The jeweler agreed. We set it up next to the other setting http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...ulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317 which incorporates 38 slightly larger pave stones, and I was surprised when that ring looked much better to my naked eye, especially from a top view.

If only that second setting had the more cathedral style of the first one I believe I would have an easy choice and that would be my ring. As a compromise between the two, the local jeweler wants me to consider this for $1675 as a setting: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9396W44JJ. It is a good price, looks good in person, the only thing I don't know if I love is the basket underneath and the fact that I would lose out on the JA diamond and be back to the drawing board on finding a center stone. Thoughts?

JA is working up a quote to see what that would cost to make the $1875 setting with the cathedral of their other setting, but I'm not holding my breath. Assuming that comes back with a lofty additional cost, I am now leaning toward the diamond that nielseel and bastetcat suggested with that second JA setting as-is. Cost would be:

$4395 ($2520 for diamond + $1875 for second setting)
- 120 (PS discount on center stone)
- 65 (1.5% wire discount)
= $4210 TOTAL

Well within my $4500ish budget and in my opinion a nice looking engagement ring. As I said I will post the Idealscope image the second I get it to hear some final thoughts. Any critiques or suggestions in the meantime? Do you think she will like that? The setting looks like it does have milgrain on the sides of the band but not on the halo. Would it enhance the overall look if I added that in your opinion? Would it enhance the look if I had them do it cathedral style like the first setting? Should I consider the Gabriel and Co. alternative? Your expertise has proven invaluable, thanks so much!
 
As for the less expensive ja setting. Consider asking them to add millgraining. I think its free and all the other settings you are looking at have them.

And if you saw the one she liked and you think it won't live up than I guess youre probably right to pass. shell want a quality ring. She probably would. agree if she knew it wasn't quality.


If they can add the millgrain to the halo and band I pick th ja setting. Itll just be easier to get it all at one place.
 
nielseel|1358887358|3361927 said:
Bastetcat I didn't even realize lol
I assumed thay would have been snatched up sense you posted it last.

I'd for sure call it in

The setting she likes is a little different than the cheaper one in that the shank is a little bit more fluid and it has those diamond prong like accents underneath

If she loves it I'd get it. Especially if you think that little umder detail is why she loves it

I see...I haven't been able to view images of them because they must run on Flash and I'm on a Mac that doesn't do Flash.

RJ- I honestly like the Gabriel setting better myself. Maybe it's just that CADs never really impress me. What I would do, if it were me, is also put the G on hold that was suggested to get an idealscope. I don't think you should necessarily buy the first diamond you find and if you end up being able to go with the less expensive gabriel setting, you might at least see what the performance of the G is and see if it would work in to your budget. It doesn't cost anything to have done and it is good to have a couple of likely comparisons and at least you might have a choice then. What if I am wrong about that stone and it sucks (well, it probably won't suck, but it'd just be smart to have made a comparison between that one and another. Maybe both will be good and you'll have 2 good choices!) :)

ALso- why would you be out from ordering from JA? My ring is a SImon G and the center stone came from an online vendor here. I ordered it and had it set separately. There is no law that says ring and stone have to come from the same place It can make things easier, but isn't necessary, especially if your jeweler is willing to bring settings in for you, why not set the stone of your choice from the vendor of your choice. I did it, and so have many other people.
 
bastetcat|1358957898|3362310 said:
nielseel|1358887358|3361927 said:
Also- why would you be out from ordering from JA? My ring is a Simon G and the center stone came from an online vendor here. I ordered it and had it set separately. There is no law that says ring and stone have to come from the same place It can make things easier, but isn't necessary, especially if your jeweler is willing to bring settings in for you, why not set the stone of your choice from the vendor of your choice. I did it, and so have many other people.

Well those two JA settings are actually Danhov creations, and both JA and the local jeweler are Danhov dealers. That is why the local jeweler brought the settings in for me, because they are pushing hard for me to purchase from them and trying to steer me away from buying anything online, but they are wanting to charge much more for the same settings and also a much smaller stone (.6ctw.) They made it abundantly clear that if I purchase a setting from them the diamond HAS to come from them too. I realize this is just their rule, and their are plenty of other places to check, but say I go with the Gabriel or Ritani (which I do like, nielseel!) and the JA stone. Do local 3rd party jewelers exist that will join the two together and do a quality job of that? Wouldn't that cost a lot extra since they need to make money on the deal somehow? Do any of you even like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engage...ulders-Engagement-Ring-Round-Center-item-3317 or should I only consider the Gabriel and Ritani now. I realize everyone's opinion is different and I need to decide for myself, but it seems like that one isn't getting much love compared to the other two, haha.

I received the Idealscope image back on that I-diamond. Unfortunately, this is the first such image I have ever seen so I don't know what to make of it. Here is a picture along with the email they sent me:

idealscope_10.jpg
"Thank you for your patience while waiting for the idealscope image of diamond 188439 (#1550860 0.73crt I VS2). You'll find the requested image attached to this email for your review. The image looks great and features lots of red/pink coloration!

To make sure you are properly informed to make such an important purchase, I arranged it for your diamond to be inspected by one of our graduate gemologists. I'm happy to tell you that this diamond has great fire, brilliance, and scintillation, which balances strongly throughout the entire diamond. It's completely eye clean and has a nice "I" color that you should find to look white. This diamond has a gorgeous cut and will look beautiful mounted in any setting. Our gemologist favors it and I highly recommend it for your diamond purchase.

Please take a moment to review this information and let me know if you have any additional questions. I have extended your hold on this diamond for an additional 24 hours while you consider your options. I've copied my colleagues in the gemological department and one of them will be reaching out to your within 24 hours to see if you need any assistance in finalizing a purchase. After that time we will release it back to our inventory."

What do you think?
 
I think personally I would get that stone in a heartbeat. Faces up a nice size and looks like itll perform great.
I bought a stone online and had it set by a b and m store.
Some dont want the liability but I know some will. That store you went to sounds like thry are tying to intimidate you and I would avoid them! My ring is ritani and I had my stone sent strait there to be set (because of the bezel) I'm wondering if ja could send your stoneb strait to them. Also you could probably send it to good old gold. They sell both those settings

Eta they have a round halo one too. Though I like the cushion one. More unique
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/halo-french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6115
 
Hi RJ-
The image looks great. It faces up well and the gemologist confirmed what I hoped that it would be a bright and and well performing stone.

On the setting- The one you posted looks like the mid range one? I actually preferred that one over the cheaper one (the $900 one). I thought that was everyone elses opinion too but now can't remember. If the more expensive ($2500 one) didn't look good in person and the mid range one ($1800) did look nice in person, I'd go for that if you want to simplify your life and not have to search for a jeweler who can set a stone for you. In order to make it a little more like the more expensive choice, see if they will add milgrain to the edges to increase the "detail" factor on it and I think it will be a great choice escpecially since you've already eyeballed it.

If you prefer the Gabriel setting best, you might look to see if there is anyone in town who sells Gabriel settings and see if they'll set a stone you have. Believe me, you can find them, but perhaps in unexpected places...For instance, I have a jeweler I work with specifically for antique pieces and delicate work )such as things that involve adjusting enameled antiques) and he has a Swiss jeweler he farms some of the gold work out to, while doing most of the platinum work himself...so I go there. A regular jewelry store with a bench is most likely going to want to sell you their own goods, but even my other jeweler has a bench that has let me just give them settings and stone to set. There are fees, sometimes upwards of $200 depending on the job. But if this jeweler is intimidating you into purchasing from them, I would walk. I wouldn't even be nice about it....They certainly make money on the setting they sell you and the setting of the stone.

I just had an idea....if you got the stone in and there was a place that sold Gabriel (assuming you preferred the setting over the second Danhov) then you could say you already have a stone, you are just looking for a setting. That would clear that problem right up of wanting to finagle you in to a stone. Also, JA has a 60 return, so that's totally plausible! They can't sell you something you don't need! :)
 
nielseel|1359043556|3362808 said:
I think personally I would get that stone in a heartbeat. Faces up a nice size and looks like itll perform great.
I bought a stone online and had it set by a b and m store.
Some dont want the liability but I know some will. That store you went to sounds like thry are tying to intimidate you and I would avoid them! My ring is ritani and I had my stone sent strait there to be set (because of the bezel) I'm wondering if ja could send your stoneb strait to them. Also you could probably send it to good old gold. They sell both those settings

Eta they have a round halo one too. Though I like the cushion one. More unique
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/halo-french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6115

That could be too...you could see if you could send it somewhere to be set then sent to you though I'm one of those that has to see a stone in person before I set it. But I'm also of the mind that if this is going to cause undo hardship locating someone to do the setting if you go with another brand, the second Danhov one ought to be lovely (and any bonus detail you can add will only make it even closer to the first one style-wise). You just need to decide now, but I wouldn't let that stone go....
 
I like the Gabriel. The I color Ideal Scope is nice. I'm pretty sure if you walk into your local store with it, and ask them how much it is, they will set it for you, unless they are legitimately worried about damage and then causing h--l.

The cheaper $900 JA halo has very small melee, you might not like it. The more expensive one has bigger diamonds.
 
Well I finally purchased the diamond and mid-priced JA setting today! They are adding milgrain similar to the more expensive ring, free of charge. Adding that detail does not void the return policy, so I'll get to make certain I am happy with everything which is nice. Thanks again to everyone for all of your help - a few weeks ago I had no idea where to start...then I found your site. Now I just need to decide how I'm going to pop the question! :) Cheers!
 
rj1004|1359586267|3367853 said:
Well I finally purchased the diamond and mid-priced JA setting today! They are adding milgrain similar to the more expensive ring, free of charge. Adding that detail does not void the return policy, so I'll get to make certain I am happy with everything which is nice. Thanks again to everyone for all of your help - a few weeks ago I had no idea where to start...then I found your site. Now I just need to decide how I'm going to pop the question! :) Cheers!

Fabulous!!! please post pictures when it comes!!
 
Fantastic! I'm so glad they are able to add the milgrain on it and everything fell in to place.

Please post pics for us when it comes! (And hand shots too!) :naughty:

I'm trying remember the total on this one, but I bet it would be a great addition to the fab e-rings under $5K thread!
 
Yay!! Good for you. We can't wait to see the pics & celebrate w/ you and your new fiancee! :appl:
 
Thanks! I will definitely be sure to post pics...
 
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