so its getting narrowed down,timings ticking, have a few, or alot, of questions.

[opfreak]

Been with my g/f for almost 5 years now, err, 5 or 6. lol can''t remeber anymore.

And I think its time to finally ask the question and move forward.

She''s big on antique style rings and we at a couple online that are very nice.

I have contacted a couple of online places. GOG, WF, Greenlakes. And maybe there great, maybe very busy, Actually GOG seems busy from Maria''s emails. But It seems like after 2-3 emails things have stalled. So while i''m still interested in working with any of them. I''m also trying to look somewhere else. I''m huge on email and not hearing back after an email puts a damper on my mood.

The budget will be around 3K. I''d like a big(ger) stone but the cost of the setting from all my research is proveing to put a damper on it.

G/F abosulte loves antique style rings, with engraving & filgrain, or at least engraving. And this almost always puts the setting at a cost of greater then 1500 bucks.

Knowing how important the ring is, size of the stone could be smaller now and maybe changed later.

Here some rings we liked:

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=WFR-ENGRpt

this ring Is probably one of my absolute favs. In fact i''v very strongly leaning towards getting it.

But like I said before I email wf. and got like one response.

The questions I had, since my inital stone will be small, ~.5c how hard would it be to get the ring later changed to like a 1c. Since theres obivously some work that would need to be done.

Theres more rings, but i''m at work right now so its hard to post, as for diamonds heres a few that I am looking at

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1358296.htm

This is probably the biggest ACA ring I could afford.
I absolutly LOVE this cut of diamond. so i''d really like to stick with it.

Is this an ok stone?

Plus I know alot of people here like going down to a SI. But the selection doesn''t get much better when I go to si stones.

I have a question on this AGS report there seem to be quite a number of red marks on the stone, is this all stuff that really cannot be seen by the naked eye, and because of the VS grade they show more?.

Also is the depth high at 61.5%

hmm theres a few more stones in that price range, but all the specs seem similar so I have no idea which one would be ''gooder''

Heres a short list so you do not have to search

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2362005.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958345.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958341.htm


Thinking of poping the question in the next 6-8 weeks. So to me it seems like time is running out.

Anyone know with the setting I posted which required a WF diamond. could I get the diamond appraised first, sent back, then mounted?

Heard its better to appraise a stone before its set.

or is it not important to get a diamond appraised when its cost is some ''small''. to me its not small, but people here have some huge diamonds.

 

[belle]

Date: 4/13/2006 2:46:33 PM
Author:opfreak
Been with my g/f for almost 5 years now, err, 5 or 6. lol can't remeber anymore.

And I think its time to finally ask the question and move forward.

congratulations

The budget will be around 3K. I'd like a big(ger) stone but the cost of the setting from all my research is proveing to put a damper on it.

G/F abosulte loves antique style rings, with engraving & filgrain, or at least engraving. And this almost always puts the setting at a cost of greater then 1500 bucks.

Knowing how important the ring is, size of the stone could be smaller now and maybe changed later.

Here some rings we liked:

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=WFR-ENGRpt

this ring Is probably one of my absolute favs. In fact i'v very strongly leaning towards getting it.

the ornate detail in the antique style rings makes them a little more expensive. that ring is beautiful though. i love the all the details!

The questions I had, since my inital stone will be small, ~.5c how hard would it be to get the ring later changed to like a 1c. Since theres obivously some work that would need to be done.

it *looks* like the head could accomodate a larger stone, but i would call and make sure if you know you will be changing in the future.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1358296.htm

This is probably the biggest ACA ring I could afford.
I absolutly LOVE this cut of diamond. so i'd really like to stick with it.

that's a beauty for sure! you should SERIOUSLY considering putting that diamond on hold while you are deciding. good stones move fast!

Plus I know alot of people here like going down to a SI. But the selection doesn't get much better when I go to si stones.

I have a question on this AGS report there seem to be quite a number of red marks on the stone, is this all stuff that really cannot be seen by the naked eye, and because of the VS grade they show more?.

good si stones are really hard to find. most get snapped up pretty quick.

this is a good example of why you can't use a plot to determine 'eyeclean'. plots can look very messy since there is no way to differentiate the subtlties of the inclusions. with an ags graded 'vs' stone, you can be sure it is eyeclean.

hmm theres a few more stones in that price range, but all the specs seem similar so I have no idea which one would be 'gooder'

Heres a short list so you do not have to search

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2362005.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958345.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958341.htm

i like your first one the best. it's a little bigger than the rest too.

Anyone know with the setting I posted which required a WF diamond. could I get the diamond appraised first, sent back, then mounted?

Heard its better to appraise a stone before its set.

or is it not important to get a diamond appraised when its cost is some 'small'. to me its not small, but people here have some huge diamonds.

you could have wf send the stone to be appraised and then sent back to be set. personally, i wouldn't go through the trouble. you have a branded stone, an independant verification, an ags report and you can download and print the idealscope images and sarin report from the website. to me, having this type of stone appraised is redundant. of course, you must do what makes you most comfortable. if that means an appraisal before the stone is set, so be it. do what is right for you. just know that it is not a necessity.


best of luck to you!

 

[opfreak]

Thanks belle. I do have another question about the diamond then. Outside of size. what if anything makes the 1st better then the other ones? or are all these very much in the same class?

 

[belle]

you''re welcome opfreak

these diamonds are all very much in the same class. it is really hairsplitting to try and choose between aca''s. i just like that you get a leetle more size with the first one.

 

[Rod]

opfreak.......just a quick comment. The stone you''re considering is as Storm would say........"kicken," but I wanted to say that if it get''s Belle''s stamp of approval, that''s all you need. Belle is quite knowledgeable and I would frankly trust her to pick out a stone for me and just buy what she thought was the best in my price range.

Good luck.........

 

[opfreak]

Oh I''ve been lurking here and posting some. Belle seems herself to be ACA .

So i wasn''t question the choice as much as just trying to understand if there were any differenaces in the stones.

geuss i''ll have to be calling wf now. :-p

I know someone here has one of these rings, I''d like some more pics.

I''m geussing the color between the side stones/center would be matched by wf. or because there so small it wouldn''t matter much?

 

[Rod]

Date: 4/13/2006 4:08:47 PM
Author: opfreak
Oh I''ve been lurking here and posting some. Belle seems herself to be ACA .

So i wasn''t question the choice as much as just trying to understand if there were any differenaces in the stones.

geuss i''ll have to be calling wf now. :-p

I know someone here has one of these rings, I''d like some more pics.

I''m geussing the color between the side stones/center would be matched by wf. or because there so small it wouldn''t matter much?

My opologies, I didn''t intend for you to think I thought you were questioning Belle''s advice. I was just saying you can take Belle''s advice to the bank. She is just that good!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/13/2006 4:08:47 PM
Author: opfreak
O


I''m geussing the color between the side stones/center would be matched by wf. or because there so small it wouldn''t matter much?

i think Wf uses F-g, or G-h melee. the diamonds are so small all you will really see is sparkle and it should work just find with any of the stones you are looking at

 

[belle]

rod...you are just too sweet

thank you both for the generous words. isn't pricescope just an amazing place!?

op, you are right, i believe someone does have that ring. i remember seeing it. mrssalvo always seems to be able to find those elusive photos, maybe she knows where it is.

as far as the melee go, they will be f-g vs quality.


eta: wow..i was R E A L L Y S L O W with my response! i didn't see that mrssalvo had posted.

hey mrss...have you seen that pic?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/13/2006 4:32:37 PM
Author: belle


hey mrss...have you seen that pic?

I remember it, just trying to remember the poster/story to track it down. i''ll check into it and post if I find it in a bit.

 

[Rod]

Date: 4/13/2006 4:32:37 PM
Author: belle
rod...you are just too sweet

thank you both for the generous words. isn''t pricescope just an amazing place!?

op, you are right, i believe someone does have that ring. i remember seeing it. mrssalvo always seems to be able to find those elusive photos, maybe she knows where it is.

as far as the melee go, they will be f-g vs quality.


eta: wow..i was R E A L L Y S L O W with my response! i didn''t see that mrssalvo had posted.

hey mrss...have you seen that pic?

Well thanks Belle, but honestly, I''ve seen you tango with the "Big Boy''s" on complex subjects, such as the new GIA Grading system and it''s clear you know your stuff. If I was looking for an Asscher, I''d simply buy what Storm said was "kicken!" For a round, your stamp of approval, would be all I needed.

Cheers everyone........

 

[mrssalvo]

found it..I really need to get a life

you can find Icefisher''s thread here

thank goodness for nan and the WF custom thread

 

[belle]

yay mrssalvo to the rescue!

rod, ehehehehehe...i do like to tango!

 

[Rod]

And mrssalvo, please forgive me for not giving you credit. If ANYONE needs to find a setting and needs a visual, you are simply amazing at remembering and finding all these links to pictures of exactly what someone is describing. It''s unbelievable that you do what you do!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/13/2006 5:17:30 PM
Author: Rod
And mrssalvo, please forgive me for not giving you credit. If ANYONE needs to find a setting and needs a visual, you are simply amazing at remembering and finding all these links to pictures of exactly what someone is describing. It''s unbelievable that you do what you do!!!

thanks Rod

my hubby finds it a bit scary that my memory works the way it does

 

[opfreak]

thanks for all the help guys. That w/f ring is very nice.

But just when I think I have things settled, GOG sends this ring and now the G/F doesn''t know what she wants :-p girls not being able to pick just one. hehe just messing with you.


heres the ring I email GOG about it, but anyone here know what it is?

because I have no idea, its also very nice, but i''m not sure about the halo like thing around the center stone, would that make a small stone look smaller?

 

[mrssalvo]

halo''s normally make stones look bigger.

Here''s a picture of Treysar''s before and after halo ring..her center is 1.14 carats..

 

[mrssalvo]

Here''s Imurdan''s before and after halo pic. here center is .95 carats

 

[mrssalvo]

You can also see tons of pictures of e-rings that are under 1 carat here. there are some real beauties in there..

 

[f0rbidden]

hi and congrats!

i wanted to let you know that my ring (see pic over on the left) is hand engraved and milgrained. I didn''t pay $1500 for it. I had it custom made for around $1100
and well, it has side diamonds in it, which made it more expensive.

Before I chose this setting, I looked at a couple of others without the side stones, but still hand engraved, and was quoted prices under $1000 (well under, now that I think about it!)

You can certainly give angeldiamond.com a try - they are very knowledgeable, very professional and willing to go the extra mile to satisfy a customer. I purchased my diamond from them, too, and found their selection to be wonderful and their professional opinon to be knowledgeable and honest.

I''m sure whatever you choose and whatever you decide on will be beautiful and your girl will be thrilled!

I wish you both a very happy engagement and a lifetime of love and laughter.

 

[opfreak]

wow, this place has some of the most knowledge/helpfull people around. and i''m on alot of forums.

you gals need more hobbies

thanks for all the help this place can seem overwhelming. but unlike some other groups everyone seems very well grounded and not over the top fanboi-ish.

theres just some places where you start looking and any orginal ideas you have seem like crap and not good enough after you read for a while.

(think of any audio forum, its sick)

 

[JDgirl]

Just to give you another option to consider, if you want to maximize the size of the center stone, I might go this route:

.72, H, SI2, ACA, not sure if there is a PS discount on it:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1948513.htm#

And a simplier setting, such as:

the last one on this page for $395: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=2

or: http://www.winkjones.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=16371&cat=262&page=1

or, if your budget has some flexibility (you could also consider this with your other diamond):
http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/engagement-detail.cfm?did=99646

 

[JDgirl]

Oh, here''s a thread with better photos of the first setting:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/please-check-out-my-setting.35722/

 

[opfreak]

oh thanks jdgirl. Its amazing how much is out there. I must have looked at hundrerds of setting and people here still come up with more. wow.

 

[W2W]

First, congrats on your pending engagement.

Just a few thoughts... You should also consider WF''s expert selection stones. The are "almost" aca. I have a pair of diamond studs and they are gorgeous and very sparkly. Just choose a pair that is cut within ideal parameters.

I also don''t know how you feel about color but you should take a look at some of the threads here on I and J colored stones. An ideally cut I-J can look very charming in an antique setting. As you can see, I''m encouraging size because you''ve mentioned that you''d like some bigger than .5cts. With the PS and wire transfer discount, you can probably get an ideally cut I stone in the .7 - .8 range for close to you budget.

By the way, I spoke to WF today and they mentioned that Brian is on a shopping trip so they may have more stones soon. I''m not sure if that fits into your timing but if they don''t have you want, you might want to wait.

 

[opfreak]

thanks for all the help. hers a nother choice from GOG. all these rings, , WOW. I think there need to be fewer choices, and just more perfect ones. The WF ring though seems to have the best engraving right now though.

I donna, I sreached and personally love the flowwing work of mark merrel, but he has so few engraved pieces shown

 

[Kaleigh]

Mark Morrel is backed up right now. He does wonderful work but if you go with him it could take 6-8 weeks. Another route is to use Quest. They have done amazing rings for many of us. Just a thought. usually halo''s make a stone appear bigger. I had Quest do a halo setting for the asscher I bought from GOG. I can''t give you a link, but mrsalvo can.... The ascher is .92 E VS1 and the halo made it look huge. It''s a RHR, and I am thrilled with it.

 

[mrssalvo]

You can see pics of Kaleigh''s asscher here

you can see of Quest''s work for other pricescopers here

 

[opfreak]

oh my oh my. so many very pretty rings out there.

time frame is hmm about geeze, quick, about 5 to 8 weeks.

5 is when she graduates, be a nice gift. and i''ld like to make it offical before we move in.

holy crap thats comingup quick. hmmm wow.

 

[JDgirl]

Don''t know if you''ve checked out this site before, but they have GORGEOUS antique rings:

www.whitehousebros.com