Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU help?

[Chambery]

Hello,

I am looking at three diamonds to replace my existing one, that is not ideal... The current stone is very deep and what I was looking for is have one that has a better cut, and maybe (hopefully) a larger "table" - to look bigger on my finger ))

Each diamond has something I really like and other aspects that I don't.

Can you help, please?

My main concern is that I was unable to find clear info on what the ideal measurements/proportions are, for a Princess cut diamond

Oh, and one more thing... I am on a limited budget, so please don't suggest I spend more... I'd love to, but cannot - at this time.
All these are in my price range
Here are the details:
#1 - 1.08 carat, I, VS1, dimensions: 5.38x5.36x4.03
#2 - 1.18 carat, G, SI1, dimensions: 5.53x5.34x4.35
#3 - 1.04 carat, E, SI2, dimensions: 5.70x5.67x3.93

The current one that I want to replace is:
#4 - 1.18 carat, H, SI2, dimensions: 5.73x5.38x4.52

Thank you SO Much!

 

[JulieN]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

need pictures, please

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

No pictures, sorry ;-(
They are all at the jeweller's store

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

need pictures, please

+1...sorry, can't help you without pictures especially on a fancy cut stone.

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Oh, and one more thing... I am on a limited budget, so please don't suggest I spend more... I'd love to, but cannot - at this time.
All these are in my price range

well what is your budget. And what about them dont you like. What specs are you aiming for. We'd be happy to help you search online. Im just not sure what youre looking for.

And like everyone said. Harder to tell fancies by the numbers, you need pictures and preferably an ASET

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

My budget is to have the entire ring (solitaire setting in yellow gold + diamond) under 5K

Here is what I don't like about these:
#1 - 1.08 carat, I, VS1, dimensions: 5.38x5.36x4.03 - it "looks" a little smaller than the current one, although it's square as opposed to rectangular
#2 - 1.18 carat, G, SI1, dimensions: 5.53x5.34x4.35 - not sure about dimensions, again, does not seem an "upgrade" to the existing one
#3 - 1.04 carat, E, SI2, dimensions: 5.70x5.67x3.93 - has a white inclusion visible by the naked eye, in one corner. I looked at it in the sun and it was less visible than the store light + it would be mostly covered by the chevron setting... But it IS visible.

Oh, and here is what I DO like about each:
#1 - 1.08 carat, I, VS1, dimensions: 5.38x5.36x4.03 - much better clarity than existing one, although smaller in weight
#2 - 1.18 carat, G, SI1, dimensions: 5.53x5.34x4.35 - a little better clarity and color
#3 - 1.04 carat, E, SI2, dimensions: 5.70x5.67x3.93 - table size very nice and looks larger overall

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Here's another option:

JA offers videos of their stones and a 5% PS discount which would leave you about $800 for the setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.20-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-53569

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/18k-Yellow-Gold-1.5mm-Comfort-Fit-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring-item-2203

Your total would be about $400 under your max budget....

Because you're going with a yellow gold setting, you can get away with having an H/I colored stone and get an actual "upgrade" size, although if you really don't want to see too much of a tint, I wouldn't suggest going lower in color.

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Here's another option:

JA offers videos of their stones and a 5% PS discount which would leave you about $800 for the setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.20-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-53569

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/18k-Yellow-Gold-1.5mm-Comfort-Fit-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring-item-2203

Your total would be about $400 under your max budget....

Is it so cheap because of the lab report?

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Here's another option:

JA offers videos of their stones and a 5% PS discount which would leave you about $800 for the setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.20-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-53569

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/18k-Yellow-Gold-1.5mm-Comfort-Fit-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring-item-2203

Your total would be about $400 under your max budget....

Is it so cheap because of the lab report?

It's possible. It's still a beautiful stone and a great price for a 1.2!

OP - Here's another option and it's beautiful!

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-72828

 

[JulieN]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

What I have not heard you say about any of your new options is how much sparklier one of them is?

 

[Christina...]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

I'm not sure what's going on with JA and the IGI stones, but I've seen several of them recently. I initially thought that they were traded in,but there seems to be too many for that to really be the case.

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

JulieN,
The sparlky ones are #1 and #3... That's why they are my "front runners"

I still did not get a suggestion about proportions... does anyone know any "tool" out there that I can use - as a guideline only, of course?
Or is it so much dependent on the stone itself that there are not standards?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Sorry there is no real useful tool. Pictures help us, but your eyes are the best.

#1 is on the small side, though.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Do you have to buy from that store???

 

[ecf8503]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Can you ask them to call in some AGS ideals for you?

Honestly, you CAN'T go by measurements on fancy cuts. You just can't.

Please considering buying online where you can get some pictures and light performance images - you'll end up with an ideal cut stone that will look bigger and sparkle more.

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

No, I don't have to buy from that store...
The only limitation is that my 60 day return on the original one is coming to an end in 10 days or so...
I definitely do not want to get another one that I'm not that happy about - so I feel kind of "paralyzed"

As for the internet, I am so concerned about doing so... I don't want treated stones, cannot see the inclusions myself, and I do not really know what certification to go by... which is the most trustworthy of all, and which is recognized all over the world?

Of course, this is my first diamond ring and I don't have so much experience...

Thanks so much for all your replies, I wish I had more knowledge about diamonds at this point in time...

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

No, I don't have to buy from that store...
The only limitation is that my 60 day return on the original one is coming to an end in 10 days or so...
I definitely do not want to get another one that I'm not that happy about - so I feel kind of "paralyzed"

As for the internet, I am so concerned about doing so... I don't want treated stones, cannot see the inclusions myself, and I do not really know what certification to go by... which is the most trustworthy of all, and which is recognized all over the world?

Of course, this is my first diamond ring and I don't have so much experience...

Thanks so much for all your replies, I wish I had more knowledge about diamonds at this point in time...

If you dont like your current ring and are close to the return period than just return it and start from scratch. worse case scenario you end up with one just like you had before (though i dont see that happening)

as for buying online, dont worry about that. Most people here have done that wiht at least one o there stones. if you use a reputable vendor like James allen, whiteflash, good old gold, or brian gavin diamonds, and others you wouldnt have to worry about treatments. And they have very reputable gemologists that will tell you if its eye clean plus return periods if you really just need to get it home to see)
consider that many of the online retailers have actual store locations and get there diamonds from many of the same inventory that a brick and mortar shop might, just have a streamlined online business.

Now what is getting you so torn up about your ring? Is it by chance the style? do you need something other than a princess to be happy? or just a new princess?

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

No, I don't have to buy from that store...
The only limitation is that my 60 day return on the original one is coming to an end in 10 days or so...
I definitely do not want to get another one that I'm not that happy about - so I feel kind of "paralyzed"

As for the internet, I am so concerned about doing so... I don't want treated stones, cannot see the inclusions myself, and I do not really know what certification to go by... which is the most trustworthy of all, and which is recognized all over the world?

Of course, this is my first diamond ring and I don't have so much experience...

Thanks so much for all your replies, I wish I had more knowledge about diamonds at this point in time...

Return it!! Don't wait another day! You're not happy with it so take it back now. You don't want to wait till you found something else because then you'll be stuck with that ring and not have any other options.

Our vendors, here on PS, are the most trustworthy....Well, JA, BGD, WF, IDJ, ERD, GOG are the absolute best. We would never ever recommend anything that wasn't exactly what you wanted! These places have the best prices, best quality things, and the best customer service. We do not have any vendors that treat their diamonds. Anything you get will be 100% diamond without any treatments whatsoever!

James Allen, IMO, has the best possible way to buy a diamond online. They now have videos of all their stones so you see exactly what you are getting! I posted a few diamonds that I think you should consider - but take your current ring back ASAP.

 

[mdmc]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Just bought a diamond from JA. Everyone was more than helpful. I. Did rely on their gemologist suggestion out of the 3 I picked. Could not be happier. My diamond is simply stunning ( to me any way). Much cheaper than the same quality in a B & M. I would buy from them again in a heartbeat

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

OK, Thank you for the great advice!
I've been looking at diamonds on JA and... I am asking for your inputs again
If I were to go for one of these, I will be over the budget for some, (but I can find some "hidden" funds to cover the difference ))

Here are the links:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.09-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-188717
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.15-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-185728
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-72828
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.21-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-164447

Thank you again!
I already feel better that I'm "doing something about it"

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

OK, Thank you for the great advice!
I've been looking at diamonds on JA and... I am asking for your inputs again
If I were to go for one of these, I will be over the budget for some, (but I can find some "hidden" funds to cover the difference ))

Here are the links:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.09-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-188717
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.15-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-185728
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-72828
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.21-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-164447

Thank you again!
I already feel better that I'm "doing something about it"

as for your budget remember they should still be giving a discount if you pay by wire and for being a ps member.

I prefer the first one, the 1.09. What kind if setting would you pick for it.
Id exclude the one with the big table (what was that the 1.15?) and have them hold and pull the rest to look at if you like them all. it doesnt cost anything and we can get light performance info.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

OK, Thank you for the great advice!
I've been looking at diamonds on JA and... I am asking for your inputs again
If I were to go for one of these, I will be over the budget for some, (but I can find some "hidden" funds to cover the difference ))

Here are the links:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.09-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-188717
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.15-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-185728
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-72828
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.21-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-164447

Thank you again!
I already feel better that I'm "doing something about it"

I think the 1st one has the worst faceting and the 1.15 has too big of a table. The 1.21 is $1,000 more than the 1.14. I like them both equally, but if I were on a budget, I'd stick with the 1.14 since there isn't enough of a size difference to pay 1k more.

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Hi Nielseel,

How do I do the "looking at them" part?
Do they ship at certain locations, or how does that work?
Thanks

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

Hi Nielseel,

How do I do the "looking at them" part?
Do they ship at certain locations, or how does that work?
Thanks

They will pull three of them and look themselves. You put 3 on hold so no one else will snatch the and a gemologist will look at them for you as well as provide you with ASETS. The gemologist tells you usually which one he prefers, and different things about each stone.

 

[Chambery]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

OK - I get it.

Since reading about diamonds, I've seen a lot of comments... so I have to ask:
- Why is a large table "bad"? I got two answers that said that about the 1.15 ct diamond...
- Also, is a Thick girdle desirable? I thought it's not, but many of them have that...

And one more that I found, that is somewhat in the "middle":
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-159002

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

A larger table means less fire.


See I am not into princesses. But I actually prefer the facetting of the 1.09

 

[JulieN]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

OK, Thank you for the great advice!
I've been looking at diamonds on JA and... I am asking for your inputs again
If I were to go for one of these, I will be over the budget for some, (but I can find some "hidden" funds to cover the difference ))

Here are the links:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.09-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-188717
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.15-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-185728
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.14-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-72828
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.21-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-164447

Thank you again!
I already feel better that I'm "doing something about it"

Table is HUGE on number 2, keep it below 75.

#3 and 4 might be worth getting ASET for. I like this but a little small http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.01-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-164091

You really don't need VVS clarity if you are on a budget.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

A larger table means less fire.


See I am not into princesses. But I actually prefer the facetting of the 1.09

What does this "prefer the faceting" mean? It seems to have entered PS parlance recently and I'm not sure if it means that it is a better cut or the variation of pavilion chevrons and crown facets?

 

[Niel]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

A larger table means less fire.


See I am not into princesses. But I actually prefer the facetting of the 1.09

What does this "prefer the faceting" mean? It seems to have entered PS parlance recently and I'm not sure if it means that it is a better cut or the variation of pavilion chevrons and crown facets?

I just like the middle chevron. I think the wider one looks better. I prefer them over other chevrons. Thats all. I am no princess expert, so I assume those smaller chevrons are better- I just dont like them as much

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Torn to pieces about which stone to select - can YOU hel

A larger table means less fire.


See I am not into princesses. But I actually prefer the facetting of the 1.09

Why?? It's terrible! I agree with JulieN to request asets for the last two.