twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it right!
- Thread starter twinkie_transformer
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
If the 3 carat turns out to be the real deal, get it. I told my fiancé that I would kick him if he got anything above 1 carat because I am not "that kind of girl". But you know what? I would LOVE to have a 3+ carat rock. My e-ring is less than a carat. I love it immensely. I would never trade it for anything. My skinny size 4.5 finger still would love to have a gigantic diamond, on my right hand of course.
Only people who are insecure about their own rings would be jealous of her 3.2 ct. I love my "small" diamond and I love admiring other women's jewelry.
SF-ers are stylish. A 3.2ct diamond would fit right in. If she has the confidence to pull off $300 shoes, she can pull off a larger diamond. More so, if you love the diamond, she probably will love it that much more.
twinkie_transformer|1328412685|3119330 said:While she likes getting the "best", she is also a huge fan of stretching dollars... I know, yeah yeah, who isn't? But she tries harder than anyone else I know... before she buys $300 shoes, she might go to the store and look around 5 times. She always likes nice things twice as much if she thinks she or I paid a good price. That is the reason I'm considering the 3.2 J in the first place.
As far as family... my mom's diamond is probably a tenth of a carat (my parents got married in college)... nobody has anything even close to a carat, let alone 2 carats. I know her mom would be super proud if she got a 3 carat... my parents would probably sniff at it...
What I am wondering from you... is that assuming this diamond looks terrific, why do you think I'm making a huge mistake? I don't really give two figs what my family thinks, but I don't want her coworkers to secretly hate her! I am very ignorant about fashion faux paux, especially related to diamonds.
If the 3 carat turns out to be the real deal, get it. I told my fiancé that I would kick him if he got anything above 1 carat because I am not "that kind of girl". But you know what? I would LOVE to have a 3+ carat rock. My e-ring is less than a carat. I love it immensely. I would never trade it for anything. My skinny size 4.5 finger still would love to have a gigantic diamond, on my right hand of course.
Only people who are insecure about their own rings would be jealous of her 3.2 ct. I love my "small" diamond and I love admiring other women's jewelry.
SF-ers are stylish. A 3.2ct diamond would fit right in. If she has the confidence to pull off $300 shoes, she can pull off a larger diamond. More so, if you love the diamond, she probably will love it that much more.
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
This is my opinion and you can take it for what it is worth. It is nice to have a diamond that is sized on the higher end of ones social circle (but not necessarily MUCH higher). So if my social circle mostly had 1 to 2 carat stones, then I think the 1.5 to 2 carat range would be really ideal. I am probably old enough to be her mother, but I also like very high quality at a very good price. And for me, I would FAR rather have a higher color and clarity diamond in a smaller size than a 2 or 3 ct. diamond. Can I afford that diamond? You bet. In fact, my last diamond is worth close to what you're looking at in that J. But I'd rather have a G VS1 that is between 1.5 and 2 cts. because I like the higher color/clarity and I am quite content being in the top half of the diamond size in my social circle. And I don't think most 3 ct. SI2's are going to be completely eyeclean from all sides, either. Let me emphasize here that I might feel differently about diamond specs on a diamond that is not an engagement ring. I might go lower than J color in an antique stone, too.
I think in order to maximize your budget, going to G or H VS2 is stretching the budget to get a really high quality stone for a good price. Or an I or even J color with fluorescence is a great way to maximize the budget, too, and it may make the diamond appear more white. I'm going to see if there are any good stones to suggest that might better meet her standards for high quality at a more reasonable price than F color.
This is my opinion and you can take it for what it is worth. It is nice to have a diamond that is sized on the higher end of ones social circle (but not necessarily MUCH higher). So if my social circle mostly had 1 to 2 carat stones, then I think the 1.5 to 2 carat range would be really ideal. I am probably old enough to be her mother, but I also like very high quality at a very good price. And for me, I would FAR rather have a higher color and clarity diamond in a smaller size than a 2 or 3 ct. diamond. Can I afford that diamond? You bet. In fact, my last diamond is worth close to what you're looking at in that J. But I'd rather have a G VS1 that is between 1.5 and 2 cts. because I like the higher color/clarity and I am quite content being in the top half of the diamond size in my social circle. And I don't think most 3 ct. SI2's are going to be completely eyeclean from all sides, either. Let me emphasize here that I might feel differently about diamond specs on a diamond that is not an engagement ring. I might go lower than J color in an antique stone, too.
I think in order to maximize your budget, going to G or H VS2 is stretching the budget to get a really high quality stone for a good price. Or an I or even J color with fluorescence is a great way to maximize the budget, too, and it may make the diamond appear more white. I'm going to see if there are any good stones to suggest that might better meet her standards for high quality at a more reasonable price than F color.
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Suggestions of some good deals on great stones:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724963.htm 1.7 H VS2 $18,777 with PS/wire discount
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-I-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104049675004 2.0 ct I VS2 with blue fluorescence $20,773
or if you really want to spend $28K (I would 1000 times rather have one of these than a 3 ct. SI2):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.025-G-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104055873017 2.0 ct. G VS2 with fluor. $28,392
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9133/ 2.2 ct. I VS2 $27,850
With any of these, there probably will be people who are jealous, but in reality, they couldn't find much to say negative about the diamond! In the case of the 3 ct. J SI2, they will think you sacrificed quality in order to get her a huge rock.
Suggestions of some good deals on great stones:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724963.htm 1.7 H VS2 $18,777 with PS/wire discount
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-I-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104049675004 2.0 ct I VS2 with blue fluorescence $20,773
or if you really want to spend $28K (I would 1000 times rather have one of these than a 3 ct. SI2):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.025-G-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104055873017 2.0 ct. G VS2 with fluor. $28,392
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9133/ 2.2 ct. I VS2 $27,850
With any of these, there probably will be people who are jealous, but in reality, they couldn't find much to say negative about the diamond! In the case of the 3 ct. J SI2, they will think you sacrificed quality in order to get her a huge rock.
FrekeChild
Super_Ideal_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I'd seriously think about the 3.2. In fact, I'd have them send it to me and check it out in person. Not everyone is a cookie cutter "G-I" color, VS1-SI1 (EYECLEAN!), 1-1.5 carats kind of girl.
If he wants to make her ring with a big ol' chunk of creamy diamond and he thinks she'll like it, he should get that for her.
My BFF got engaged at Thanksgiving. Her stone was a .75 OEC. It was "candlelight" color. Meaning, in some lights it looks like a fancy yellow diamond. In other lighting it looks like it's white! She is NOT a PSer. You know what she cared about? THAT IT SPARKLED. Well her fiance hit that nail on the head - the diamond is a freaking fireball.
TT, your girlfriend and I, we would get along great. I too spend $300 on shoes after a lot of researching/long time lusting after, and I tend to eat a lot of old leftovers too. Just pull the trigger. You know what she likes better than people on here.
I wanna see the bling!
I'd seriously think about the 3.2. In fact, I'd have them send it to me and check it out in person. Not everyone is a cookie cutter "G-I" color, VS1-SI1 (EYECLEAN!), 1-1.5 carats kind of girl.
If he wants to make her ring with a big ol' chunk of creamy diamond and he thinks she'll like it, he should get that for her.
My BFF got engaged at Thanksgiving. Her stone was a .75 OEC. It was "candlelight" color. Meaning, in some lights it looks like a fancy yellow diamond. In other lighting it looks like it's white! She is NOT a PSer. You know what she cared about? THAT IT SPARKLED. Well her fiance hit that nail on the head - the diamond is a freaking fireball.
TT, your girlfriend and I, we would get along great. I too spend $300 on shoes after a lot of researching/long time lusting after, and I tend to eat a lot of old leftovers too. Just pull the trigger. You know what she likes better than people on here.
I wanna see the bling!
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twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Meanwhile I can add I REALLY appreciate your frank perspective. This is the most important purchase I've ever made in my life... don't hold back! 
It's an SI1, not an SI2. I think that's worth noting with respect to sacrificing quality for size. I will take a look at those diamonds as soon as my girlfriend stops popping in and out of the living room.diamondseeker2006|1328420385|3119388 said:
Meanwhile I can add I REALLY appreciate your frank perspective. This is the most important purchase I've ever made in my life... don't hold back! 
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
The Pre-loved Leon that has been suggested is a "to die for" stone and setting! I would take it any day over the 3ct your are looking at. I had a 1.26 J that absolutely made me nuts... I didn't know how color sensitive I was until I owned it and could see the tint.... He made me crazy...
The Pre-loved Leon that has been suggested is a "to die for" stone and setting! I would take it any day over the 3ct your are looking at. I had a 1.26 J that absolutely made me nuts... I didn't know how color sensitive I was until I owned it and could see the tint.... He made me crazy...
twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
So, apparently I prefer warmer stones when they are mounted. Went to Tiffany's because they have their stones pre-mounted, looked at a couple 3 carat stones. I highly preferred the slightly warmer "I" over the "G" when set in platinum. I could see the difference when they were next to each other... I just felt the warmth was more loving and inviting. The icyness of the G felt cold and locked in. Maybe size and color have a complicated relationship, because I definitely preferred F's and G's at the 1.5 carat range. Maybe when a diamond gets to a certain size, having some inherent warmth is not a bad thing. Personal taste plays such a big role.
So, apparently I prefer warmer stones when they are mounted. Went to Tiffany's because they have their stones pre-mounted, looked at a couple 3 carat stones. I highly preferred the slightly warmer "I" over the "G" when set in platinum. I could see the difference when they were next to each other... I just felt the warmth was more loving and inviting. The icyness of the G felt cold and locked in. Maybe size and color have a complicated relationship, because I definitely preferred F's and G's at the 1.5 carat range. Maybe when a diamond gets to a certain size, having some inherent warmth is not a bad thing.
Personal taste plays such a big role.
0-0-0
Brilliant_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I just want to point out a few things.
Angles are more accurate than percentages for the HCA. But even then the angles on the GIA report is a rounded average of multiple measurements around the stone, so please ignore the HCA once you have images or have seen the stone in person and can compare it with other well cut stones.
In a 3 ct SI1 stone with a relatively clean plot and the comment "Clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown", I would be concerned that the clouds are pretty pervasive and inhibit the brilliance of the stone. The relatively low price of 28k also suggests that there is something "wrong" with the stone. Comparable 3 ct J SI1 stones are all going for over 30k in the PS search.
I agree that color is very personal. I was planning on getting my fiancee something G or higher until we went shopping together, and it turns out that she has a clear preference for H/I stones in the same size.
I just want to point out a few things.
Angles are more accurate than percentages for the HCA. But even then the angles on the GIA report is a rounded average of multiple measurements around the stone, so please ignore the HCA once you have images or have seen the stone in person and can compare it with other well cut stones.
In a 3 ct SI1 stone with a relatively clean plot and the comment "Clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown", I would be concerned that the clouds are pretty pervasive and inhibit the brilliance of the stone. The relatively low price of 28k also suggests that there is something "wrong" with the stone. Comparable 3 ct J SI1 stones are all going for over 30k in the PS search.
I agree that color is very personal. I was planning on getting my fiancee something G or higher until we went shopping together, and it turns out that she has a clear preference for H/I stones in the same size.
blinglover78
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I am the proud owner of a round vs2, J color diamond that is 2.3 carats. While we could have afforded a higher color diamond, I am too frugal to pay more for something that doesnt bother me and that was the color. I also didnt want to go down in size....I like larger stones. A 3 carat J color is definitely something I would consider! Clarity does bother me so I would want to make sure it is eye clean.
The thing about color is that the average person doesnt seem to notice the creaminess is near colorless stones, they only notice sparkle in a well cut diamond. My husband who will always speak his mind, said nothing about my stone being the least bit tinted. He knew its a J but has no idea what that meant until I told him, and he still didnt notice it. It does face up quite white....only upon looking closely at the side to i notice the J color.
It's a personal decision. I am fairly certain whichever diamond you love most, your girlfriend will love too.
I am the proud owner of a round vs2, J color diamond that is 2.3 carats. While we could have afforded a higher color diamond, I am too frugal to pay more for something that doesnt bother me and that was the color. I also didnt want to go down in size....I like larger stones. A 3 carat J color is definitely something I would consider! Clarity does bother me so I would want to make sure it is eye clean.
The thing about color is that the average person doesnt seem to notice the creaminess is near colorless stones, they only notice sparkle in a well cut diamond. My husband who will always speak his mind, said nothing about my stone being the least bit tinted. He knew its a J but has no idea what that meant until I told him, and he still didnt notice it. It does face up quite white....only upon looking closely at the side to i notice the J color.
It's a personal decision. I am fairly certain whichever diamond you love most, your girlfriend will love too.
sna77
Brilliant_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Heck, you can even pay GIA to certify the damn thing during the inspection period...
sna77|1325281830|3091785 said:bored waiting for the WF pics to come in, so I've been surfing around at random EGL stones out of boredom.
2.7 ct D VS2 for $30k and a 0.7 on the HCA. Ha, I mean even if its an F / SI1, that's pretty good.
http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=103403464&flag=ps
http://www.abazias.com/certtemp/103403464.jpg
Heck, you can even pay GIA to certify the damn thing during the inspection period...
twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
That does look tempting... I sent an info request. I've read here that EGL can be way off with their ratings and that there's no free lunches buying diamonds cert'd by them. Still... if it is F/SI1, that's prettay good.sna77|1328456348|3119518 said:sna77|1325281830|3091785 said:bored waiting for the WF pics to come in, so I've been surfing around at random EGL stones out of boredom.
2.7 ct D VS2 for $30k and a 0.7 on the HCA. Ha, I mean even if its an F / SI1, that's pretty good.
http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=103403464&flag=ps
http://www.abazias.com/certtemp/103403464.jpg
Heck, you can even pay GIA to certify the damn thing during the inspection period...
Dreamer_D
Super_Ideal_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
First, you need ideal scope images of the RBs you are considering at James Allen, not ASETs, which don't tell us much about RBs. ASETs are more useful for fancy cuts. So make sure your rep knows that and send idealscope images.
Second, in an SI stone of that size when the cert includes the note "clarity grade is based on clouds not shown" you must proceed with extreme caution. There is a possibility the clouds are affecting the optics of the stone, that they dampten its brilliance and basically affect its performance negatively. You cannot judge this with photos or an idealscope image. You need a qualified independent appraiser to check it over for you. Diamond prices are heavily regulated (naturally) in terms of supply and demand, and if this one is priced much lower than comparables, there is a reason. I am willing to bet the clouds negatively affect its appearance in an important way.
Finally, you should ask your gf what *she* prefers. Take her to Tiffany and try rings on. She will tell you what she likes on her hand. Don't guess with a purchase this important.
First, you need ideal scope images of the RBs you are considering at James Allen, not ASETs, which don't tell us much about RBs. ASETs are more useful for fancy cuts. So make sure your rep knows that and send idealscope images.
Second, in an SI stone of that size when the cert includes the note "clarity grade is based on clouds not shown" you must proceed with extreme caution. There is a possibility the clouds are affecting the optics of the stone, that they dampten its brilliance and basically affect its performance negatively. You cannot judge this with photos or an idealscope image. You need a qualified independent appraiser to check it over for you. Diamond prices are heavily regulated (naturally) in terms of supply and demand, and if this one is priced much lower than comparables, there is a reason. I am willing to bet the clouds negatively affect its appearance in an important way.
Finally, you should ask your gf what *she* prefers. Take her to Tiffany and try rings on. She will tell you what she likes on her hand. Don't guess with a purchase this important.
sna77
Brilliant_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Assuming the measurements are accurate, and the inclusions / color is respectable, then while this stone wouldn't be AGS 000, it just misses AGS 000 and falls within GIA EX for cut.
I think it'd be worth having a look at an Ideal Scope image for sure...
Assuming the measurements are accurate, and the inclusions / color is respectable, then while this stone wouldn't be AGS 000, it just misses AGS 000 and falls within GIA EX for cut.
I think it'd be worth having a look at an Ideal Scope image for sure...
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Sorry re: SI2...but I have still seen some of pros here, such as Garry, say that even SI1 is not safe in a 3 ct. stone.
I am just going back to your original post. You said she likes "the very best", and that with a small finger size, you wanted to go for quality over size. I think you were on track with your original thinking. If her social circle mostly has 1 to 2 ct. stones, aiming for close to 2 carats in the best quality you can probably will thrill her.
I am curious about something since I was just in Tiffany's this past Thursday. Did they take the rings outside in natural light for you to see or did they have an untinted window where they showed you the stones in natural light? Because most jewelry stores, including our Tiffany's, have that spotlighting that pretty much makes all the stone bright and sparkly and very hard to detect color. They really do not have a normal lighting environment like where one would usually be wearing the ring. But if you liked I color, I recommend that you strongly consider the 2 ct. I color diamond with blue fluor. at Brian Gavin or the 2.2 I VS2 from Good Old Gold. Both of these are safe and top cut quality and you could go ahead and have them set and sent to you in time for Valentines Day.
Sorry re: SI2...but I have still seen some of pros here, such as Garry, say that even SI1 is not safe in a 3 ct. stone.
I am just going back to your original post. You said she likes "the very best", and that with a small finger size, you wanted to go for quality over size. I think you were on track with your original thinking. If her social circle mostly has 1 to 2 ct. stones, aiming for close to 2 carats in the best quality you can probably will thrill her.
I am curious about something since I was just in Tiffany's this past Thursday. Did they take the rings outside in natural light for you to see or did they have an untinted window where they showed you the stones in natural light? Because most jewelry stores, including our Tiffany's, have that spotlighting that pretty much makes all the stone bright and sparkly and very hard to detect color. They really do not have a normal lighting environment like where one would usually be wearing the ring. But if you liked I color, I recommend that you strongly consider the 2 ct. I color diamond with blue fluor. at Brian Gavin or the 2.2 I VS2 from Good Old Gold. Both of these are safe and top cut quality and you could go ahead and have them set and sent to you in time for Valentines Day.
twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I am really second guessing myself... this is such a passion purchase. I found it way easier to buy my last car, which I didn't care about.
Now I am moving back towards getting the F or G diamond between 1.5 and 1.8... then the red devil on my shoulder says "GO BIG OR GO HOME" and I start favoring the J again. Especially when I start browsing the 3+ carat threads and look at all the BEAUTIFUL Is, Js, and Ks.
Seems like the board is also split on what I should get.
I am really second guessing myself... this is such a passion purchase. I found it way easier to buy my last car, which I didn't care about.
Now I am moving back towards getting the F or G diamond between 1.5 and 1.8... then the red devil on my shoulder says "GO BIG OR GO HOME" and I start favoring the J again. Especially when I start browsing the 3+ carat threads and look at all the BEAUTIFUL Is, Js, and Ks.
Seems like the board is also split on what I should get.
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
twinkie.
i am in the J "big" camp. I just had a smaller budget but made a similar decision to go J "big" (relative to my budget) as opposed to better color/clarity bust smaller. This is a preference. It seems like you went to a jewelry store store and looked at J big vs better color small. Which did you like better, could you tell the difference. My opinion was the things I could see a difference in was Size and Sparkle, not color and clarity, so I went for size and sparkle. If you are okay with J you could also consider going bigger and cheaper (see below).
Here is a 2.6 J/SI1 AGS 000 for 21.5K
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=554YF856&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE%20&utm_source=PriceScope
Or a 2.5 J/SI GIA ex/ex/ex HCA: 1.6 for 20.5K
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=612552&ref=pricescope
To each there own with $. But 28K is a lot more than the 18K you where looking at with the other dimaond. Feel like there is a middle place between the two that you may find suitable.
Also vDay is only 9 days away, how important is it for you to propose on this day? Think allowing yourself a bit of a search time may lead to a better find.
twinkie.
i am in the J "big" camp. I just had a smaller budget but made a similar decision to go J "big" (relative to my budget) as opposed to better color/clarity bust smaller. This is a preference. It seems like you went to a jewelry store store and looked at J big vs better color small. Which did you like better, could you tell the difference. My opinion was the things I could see a difference in was Size and Sparkle, not color and clarity, so I went for size and sparkle. If you are okay with J you could also consider going bigger and cheaper (see below).
Here is a 2.6 J/SI1 AGS 000 for 21.5K
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=554YF856&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE%20&utm_source=PriceScope
Or a 2.5 J/SI GIA ex/ex/ex HCA: 1.6 for 20.5K
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=612552&ref=pricescope
To each there own with $. But 28K is a lot more than the 18K you where looking at with the other dimaond. Feel like there is a middle place between the two that you may find suitable.
Also vDay is only 9 days away, how important is it for you to propose on this day? Think allowing yourself a bit of a search time may lead to a better find.
twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
So, I did this on Saturday. Again. I realized I could only really tell the difference between a J and a G when they were upside down against white paper under a spotlight. When they were face up, I honestly couldn't tell without looking really closely with them *right next to each other*. Now imagine it was by itself, I would have no chance.06pvc|1328500981|3119930 said:
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Thats how I felt, and thats why I got a J. Why pay 50%+ more for something you don't notice. You can get a bigger stone that is also cheaper by sticking with a lower color. I feel the same way about clarity. I just went through this process and those are the decisions I made.
Code:
I realized I could only really tell the difference between a J and a G when they were upside down against white paper under a spotlight. When they were face up, I honestly couldn't tell without looking really closely with them *right next to each other*. Now imagine it was by itself, I would have no chance.Thats how I felt, and thats why I got a J. Why pay 50%+ more for something you don't notice. You can get a bigger stone that is also cheaper by sticking with a lower color. I feel the same way about clarity. I just went through this process and those are the decisions I made.
Dreamer_D
Super_Ideal_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Twinnkie, only your girlfriend can really make a decision like this IMO. She is the one who will be wearing it. You see how varied women;s opinions are on this topic? Do not guess which camp she falls into. That is too much of a gamble for an important purchase to be worn by a woman who sounds like she knows her own mind.
Twinnkie, only your girlfriend can really make a decision like this IMO. She is the one who will be wearing it. You see how varied women;s opinions are on this topic? Do not guess which camp she falls into. That is too much of a gamble for an important purchase to be worn by a woman who sounds like she knows her own mind.
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
How about a compromise between the two camps?
How about a 2-2.5 I?
2.3 I/SI1 AGS 000 for 21K
http://www.idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=35530580&shape=&pricefrom=1&priceto=500000&ca
How about a compromise between the two camps?
How about a 2-2.5 I?
2.3 I/SI1 AGS 000 for 21K
http://www.idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=35530580&shape=&pricefrom=1&priceto=500000&ca
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- Jan 11, 2006
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- 58,559
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Please do consider a compromise of G-H-I VS. That way she gets a 2 carat diamond, nice color and clarity, excellent cut, and a diamond size at the top end of her social circle.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724963.htm 1.7 H VS2 $18,777 with PS/wire discount
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-I-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104049675004 2.0 ct I VS2 with blue fluorescence $20,773
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.025-G-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104055873017 2.0 ct. G VS2 with fluor. $28,392
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8856/ 1.6 G VS1 $23,999
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9133/ 2.2 ct. I VS2 $27,850
Please do consider a compromise of G-H-I VS. That way she gets a 2 carat diamond, nice color and clarity, excellent cut, and a diamond size at the top end of her social circle.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724963.htm 1.7 H VS2 $18,777 with PS/wire discount
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-I-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104049675004 2.0 ct I VS2 with blue fluorescence $20,773
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.025-G-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104055873017 2.0 ct. G VS2 with fluor. $28,392
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8856/ 1.6 G VS1 $23,999
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9133/ 2.2 ct. I VS2 $27,850
twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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- Feb 1, 2012
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- 30
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Is a Whiteflash branded cut generally worth the premium? If I go back down to 1.5 carats, I could pick up something like this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2531899.htm (F VS2)
Is a Whiteflash branded cut generally worth the premium? If I go back down to 1.5 carats, I could pick up something like this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2531899.htm (F VS2)
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2006
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- 58,559
Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I have branded and unbranded at this point and can't tell them apart. But you can be assured that you have a top quality stone if you choose an ACA. But I think you would be equally impressed and would not be able to tell the difference between it and the other stones I just posted other than slight differences in color. I just think you can go down a notch in color and get a slightly larger stone. There's a lot of territory between a F 1.5 and a J 3.0!
I have branded and unbranded at this point and can't tell them apart. But you can be assured that you have a top quality stone if you choose an ACA. But I think you would be equally impressed and would not be able to tell the difference between it and the other stones I just posted other than slight differences in color. I just think you can go down a notch in color and get a slightly larger stone. There's a lot of territory between a F 1.5 and a J 3.0!
slg47
Ideal_Rock
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twinkie_transformer
Rough_Rock
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Trekkie
Brilliant_Rock
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
Now I can't say that an I with fluor. is going to look like a G! But I went with a friend in the last month to look at a diamond that was a 1.7 I color with med. blue fluor. and it looked the same to me as an H stone that they held next to it (and she bought it!). I actually just bought a G with strong blue and love it! I had to buy a little UV light to see the fluorescence, though! And yes, it is very cool!
(That ring on ebay is not her size, though, and I wouldn't buy a ring with a pave shank like that unless it was my exact size or just a little bigger where they could put in sizing beads.)
Now I can't say that an I with fluor. is going to look like a G! But I went with a friend in the last month to look at a diamond that was a 1.7 I color with med. blue fluor. and it looked the same to me as an H stone that they held next to it (and she bought it!). I actually just bought a G with strong blue and love it! I had to buy a little UV light to see the fluorescence, though! And yes, it is very cool!
(That ring on ebay is not her size, though, and I wouldn't buy a ring with a pave shank like that unless it was my exact size or just a little bigger where they could put in sizing beads.)
atp223
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
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Re: Surprise proposal on VDay. Budget $20k. Help me do it ri
I don't know how to quote multiple posts...but I just wanted to say I have a 2 ct bgd blue that is I colored and I love it! It only had med bl fluoro, but it turns a little blue in the sun. In indirect sunlight, on cloudy days, and in my office lighting, it looks completely colorless (to me, but also to others I have polled lol). I may get yelled at by those who know better, but in most lighting to me it looks the same color as the f/g pave in the band. I can see a *little* contrast between the pave band in our kitchen and bathroom (which have yellowish walls, so I don't even know If that's the diamond's fault), and non-fluorescent lighting.
Anyway, I am VERY happy with it, and love knowing that we got a totally eye clean (it's si1), hearts and arrows (though not branded as such...but I know they're there!!), white, ideal cut diamond for 20k...when similar or smaller sized non "blue" ones were going for so much more. And I don't even like deals - I'm usually a little careless with my spending. And if you look back at my old posts you will see I was freaking out during the window btwn when we bought and when he proposed. But it is amazing and I'm proud of us for this purchase! So I am another vote for the 1.7 H or 2/2.2 I bgd blue...
Eta: my pictures. For reference, I have size 3.5/4 fingers (ring is a 4)...so that may help you with perspective.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-2-05-i-si1-bgd-blue.170942/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-2-05-i-si1-bgd-blue.170942/[/URL]
twinkie_transformer|1328509175|3119990 said:
I don't know how to quote multiple posts...but I just wanted to say I have a 2 ct bgd blue that is I colored and I love it! It only had med bl fluoro, but it turns a little blue in the sun. In indirect sunlight, on cloudy days, and in my office lighting, it looks completely colorless (to me, but also to others I have polled lol). I may get yelled at by those who know better, but in most lighting to me it looks the same color as the f/g pave in the band. I can see a *little* contrast between the pave band in our kitchen and bathroom (which have yellowish walls, so I don't even know If that's the diamond's fault), and non-fluorescent lighting.
Anyway, I am VERY happy with it, and love knowing that we got a totally eye clean (it's si1), hearts and arrows (though not branded as such...but I know they're there!!), white, ideal cut diamond for 20k...when similar or smaller sized non "blue" ones were going for so much more. And I don't even like deals - I'm usually a little careless with my spending. And if you look back at my old posts you will see I was freaking out during the window btwn when we bought and when he proposed. But it is amazing and I'm proud of us for this purchase! So I am another vote for the 1.7 H or 2/2.2 I bgd blue...
Eta: my pictures. For reference, I have size 3.5/4 fingers (ring is a 4)...so that may help you with perspective.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-2-05-i-si1-bgd-blue.170942/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-2-05-i-si1-bgd-blue.170942/[/URL]
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