virtual inventory vs. super ideal diamond questions

[lovedogs]

I absolutely think the upgrade policies are worth it for the superideals, particularly Whiteflash and HPD. I've bought diamonds from WF and upgraded multiple times!

That's definitely an important piece. JA requires that you spend 2x to upgrade, right?

When I looked at the b2c policy, it said upgrades don't have any criteria, but they deduct 20%, so you only have a credit of 80% from the original purchase.

 

[sledge]

I found the following BGD super ideal that I think is a good fit. I know you would like to spend a few dollars less, and I think that is possible. The problem is WF, HPD and BGD doesn't really have the inventory for the criteria you want. FYI, I did search WF inventory but didn't see the color or size preferences you indicated.

For instance, with this particular BGD stone being a little smaller and SI1 clarity I think price would be in the $3,500ish range.

I'm not trying to talk you out of going with a XXX stone, but have you given any thought to having HPD, WF or BGD source you a specific stone? It may take a little longer but may allow you to get the preferences you want, super ideal and a price increase that isn't extreme for the perks of a super ideal stone & vendor.

BGD 1.158ct M VS1, 6.74x6.76mm, $4,680 wire (currently reserved but not sold - talk to Lesley)
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.158-m-vs1-round-diamond-ags-e-104087478007

 

[lovedogs]

@sledge what a lovely stone! I'm worried it might be too big for my e-ring setting, which is designed to accommodate 1 carat. It's a design similar (kind of) to the one you got your fiance with a swirl/circle of diamonds making a halo around the stone.

I think that having HPD or WF or BGD source me something might be a good idea, since I'm not finding lots of options in the lower color ranges, and would love to go with a vendor who has a good upgrade policy. I'm not in a rush at all, since I have my ring and happily wear it every day. This is just an upgrade, so there isn't a time deadline or anything like that.

I LOVE the BDG cape diamonds, but they don't seem to have anything except that one, and nothing in my ideal size range (.9-1.1, but ideally nothing over 1.0.

 

[Dancing Fire]

BGD 1.158ct M VS1, 6.74x6.76mm, $4,680 wire (currently reserved but not sold - talk to Lesley)
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.158-m-vs1-round-diamond-ags-e-104087478007

Beautiful proportions!

 

[sledge]

@sledge what a lovely stone! I'm worried it might be too big for my e-ring setting, which is designed to accommodate 1 carat. It's a design similar (kind of) to the one you got your fiance with a swirl/circle of diamonds making a halo around the stone.

I think that having HPD or WF or BGD source me something might be a good idea, since I'm not finding lots of options in the lower color ranges, and would love to go with a vendor who has a good upgrade policy. I'm not in a rush at all, since I have my ring and happily wear it every day. This is just an upgrade, so there isn't a time deadline or anything like that.

I LOVE the BDG cape diamonds, but they don't seem to have anything except that one, and nothing in my ideal size range (.9-1.1, but ideally nothing over 1.0.

I thought you may like that and I was concerned the carat weight and clarity might be outside your parameters.

You mentioned this is an upgrade. Maybe I missed it, but do you plan on keeping the existing stone and re-purposing it, or will that stone be used on trade (certain vendor?) or possibly sold and funds used to help with the upgrade? Just trying to fully understand our limitations.

Since you have a setting like my girl's, you probably already know this but you will be better off searching for dimensions than weight. As you may recall I bought a BGD Blue, 0.867ct. Table is 57.9 with 33.9/40.7 angle. Dimensions are 6.18x6.21mm.

Having learned considerably more about diamonds in general and my own personal preferences since the initial purchase I likely would have targeted a stone with a smaller table and higher crown, but that is a story for a different day.

My point of providing details is that because of the larger table and shallower crown (also shallower crown thickness @ 14.1%), the dimensions are larger than most stones of the same carat weight. In fact I would normally have to go between a 0.90-0.92ct to find something similar.

Getting even more nit picky, there is a very thin "air line" between the diamond and halo swirls that is very important for her to maintain. So when/if a SIZE upgrade occurs, it will likely require a new setting also to retain those characteristics (assuming those are still equally important at that time).

You may face some of the same challenges and difficulties in your own search. Do you mind sharing the stats of your current stone? It may be more helpful in pinpointing a better fitting stone besides just carat weight search.

 

[sledge]

Beautiful proportions!

Yeah I got all excited about that too @Dancing Fire. I've learned you and I have similar tastes in diamonds. 54 table and roughly a 34.5/40.8 combo. Really wish I had learned this PRIOR to making my initial purchase I mentioned above.

I will be a super nitpicky PITA buyer next time, LOL.

 

[Wewechew]

@sledge what a lovely stone! I'm worried it might be too big for my e-ring setting, which is designed to accommodate 1 carat. It's a design similar (kind of) to the one you got your fiance with a swirl/circle of diamonds making a halo around the stone.

I think that having HPD or WF or BGD source me something might be a good idea, since I'm not finding lots of options in the lower color ranges, and would love to go with a vendor who has a good upgrade policy. I'm not in a rush at all, since I have my ring and happily wear it every day. This is just an upgrade, so there isn't a time deadline or anything like that.

I LOVE the BDG cape diamonds, but they don't seem to have anything except that one, and nothing in my ideal size range (.9-1.1, but ideally nothing over 1.0.

Have you ever posted a picture of your ring?

 

[BlingDreams]

Here's one you should look at. The measurements/angles all look good - https://idjewelry.com/round-kp329496.html

The HCA comes out at 2.4, but since you don't need an "ideal" diamond and it's a great price I think it is worth getting some photos of. Also, reach out to Yekutiel; he's a miracle worker with finding nice diamonds on a budget

 

[sledge]

Here's one you should look at. The measurements/angles all look good - https://idjewelry.com/round-kp329496.html

The HCA comes out at 2.4, but since you don't need an "ideal" diamond and it's a great price I think it is worth getting some photos of. Also, reach out to Yekutiel; he's a miracle worker with finding nice diamonds on a budget

It likely hits a 2.4 because crown & pavilion aren't playing the nicest at 35/41.

Using proportions charts, we can see it lands in EX. Going 1 magnitude out in each direction (in an effort to accommodate for whacky GIA rounding & averaging) we can see there is about 67% chance this stone lands in EX territory, and about 33% it may hit ideal.

If you consider this stone, ask for an idealscope or ASET image.

 

[lovedogs]

@sledge @Wewechew I haven't posted a pic of my ring bc it currently has a 1ct oec moissanite. But maybe the mods will allow me to show it here for the sake of clarity? @Ella feel free to delete the pics if I'm breaking rules here. That's why I don't have exact dimensions, just that it's about 6.5mm.





Side view. I think it's high bc of the oec cut. Id actually prefer it to be set lower, more "inside" the halo.

 

[Wewechew]

@sledge @Wewechew I haven't posted a pic of my ring bc it currently has a 1ct oec moissanite. But maybe the mods will allow me to show it here for the sake of clarity? @Ella feel free to delete the pics if I'm breaking rules here. That's why I don't have exact dimensions, just that it's about 6.5mm.





Side view. I think it's high bc of the oec cut. Id actually prefer it to be set lower, more "inside" the halo.

It’s a beautiful setting and I love the stack!

If you’re wanting it lower, I think going down to 6.2-6.3mm would be good (although thats 100% speculation on my part.

 

[sledge]

Wow, gorgeous ring @lovedogs! It is very similar to my girls ring.

I see you have that thin air line also between the melee and center stone "halo swirls". I marked up your original picture with a blue circle to roughly show the current air line. If @lovedogs goes bigger, she will bleed into the melee which I tried to represent with the red circle. It changes the entire look.

So @Wewechew if I am understanding correctly, I believe the goal is to swap the synthetic OEC for a natural diamond of similar size while maintaining that same overall look. Not to necessarily lower the ring or stone.

 

[sledge]

Hey @lovedogs have you considered going into a jewelry or machine shop and asking them to measure your existing stone? You want them to use a precise measurement device called calipers to do so. Have them take two measurements so you have a L & W measurement as verify few round stones are perfectly round.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Yeah I got all excited about that too @Dancing Fire. I've learned you and I have similar tastes in diamonds. 54 table and roughly a 34.5/40.8 combo. Really wish I had learned this PRIOR to making my initial purchase I mentioned above.

I will be a super nitpicky PITA buyer next time, LOL.

Yes, I'd prefer a 54-55 table with a high crown > 15%, but TBH I don't think I can tell the difference b/t a 54-56% table...just a mind thing.

btw; just yesterday I pick a 56% table BG med blue for my daughter's bf. I can't wait to see the ring.

 

[lovedogs]

@sledge good idea with measuring. My DH has calipers at home, so I can take a measurement when I get home. In terms of the overall look, I'd like the stone to potentially sit a bit lower so it looks like it's "inside" the halo rather than on top of it.

As an example of what I mean, I think I prefer this look (obviously just examples from JA and not my stone or my setting)

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-and-twisted-shank-engagement-ring-item-17466

vs. this one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-59054

These are different styles, but I prefer how the first one has the diamond "inside" the halo vs "on top" if that makes sense.



EDIT: The JA idealscope image came in just now and I really like it. I also want to see what IDJ can find me, and might reach out to WF as well just to check what they have access to.

 

[sledge]

I know what you mean on the halo height. Funny as my girl had the opposite mindset. She absolutely did not want a halo (and still cannot see why I think her ring is a fancy halo of sorts).

Can you post more pics of your ring by itself? Maybe different angles? Getting an idea how you can do that with your current setup.

As far as the IS image, it looks pretty good. Very minor leakage at 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9 o'clock positions. Probably better than most stones out there. If it like everything else and it's not already on hold make sure you get it on hold as you finalize your decision..

 

[lovedogs]

Hope that helps! I have the wedding band soldered onto the e-ring because them spinning differently was very irritating.

EDIT. Yes, the JA stone is on hold!

 

[Wewechew]

I can't tell from the last side view pic- can you lower the stone? Is there room?

 

[TreeScientist]

That IS image for the JA stone is darn-near perfect. I would definitely keep this one on hold until you can decide between it and the light brown stone from B2C.

@sledge, where do you see leakage? I know my eyes aren't perfect, but I'm not seeing a single thing. Are you talking about the small amounts of obstruction around the arrows? Because that's not leakage. A lot of SuperIdeals also exhibit a bit of obstruction around the arrows in IS images. Nothing to be concerned about at all. Usually just means the star % is 50% or more. Actually, the IS image for the BG Cape diamond you posted exhibits more obstruction around the arrows in the IS image than the JA diamond.

 

[sledge]

That IS image for the JA stone is darn-near perfect. I would definitely keep this one on hold until you can decide between it and the light brown stone from B2C.

@sledge, where do you see leakage? I know my eyes aren't perfect, but I'm not seeing a single thing. Are you talking about the small amounts of obstruction around the arrows? Because that's not leakage. A lot of SuperIdeals also exhibit a bit of obstruction around the arrows in IS images. Nothing to be concerned about at all. Usually just means the star % is 50% or more. Actually, the IS image for the BG Cape diamond you posted exhibits more obstruction around the arrows in the IS image than the JA diamond.

What are you considering obstructions?

See below. Just because there is some imperfections doesn't mean it's not worthwhile. It's a good stone. It's not super ideal, but it's not priced like one either.

Edited:


Unedited:


WF Reference Image:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728105.htm

 

[sledge]

Hey @lovedogs, is my chicken scratch pretty close to what is going on? I assume there is a bridge hidden behind the soldered wedding band that supports the prongs/peghead. If so, it appears to me you have some vertical clearance to lower the stone.



If so, I think the bigger issue is that to keep the air line and to even fit, it depends how much you want to lower. As you lower the diamond, the halo swirls will be going up on towards the top of the diamond. See the sketch below. If the red line represents CURRENT mounting height, and you LOWER the stone making it the YELLOW line, that dimension increases.

The question becomes -- do you have enough space between the halos to accommodate the Y dimension? Your vertical movement (lowering) of the stone will be limited by the pavilion angle and depth of the stone, along with the diameter opening between the halos.



Edited to Add:
My girl would LOVE your nails. Her favorite color is purple and she had a very similar shade not long ago.

 

[HDer]

My understanding of Martin Sheffield is he's willing to get you any RapNet diamond for around 10 percent above wholesale. No upgrade policy and only a 7 day return policy though.

A lot of people have had good experiences with him but he's hard to get ahold of. Might have to call and email a few times.

 

[lovedogs]

Yup, your drawing is correct @sledge and good point about lowering. If it isn't possible then I'm fine with it as is--just something I'll mention to whatever vendor ends up setting the stone that I'd like it a bit lower if possible.

EDIT. I just heard back from B2C, and the SA said the gemologist looked at the stones I was considering and feels as though this one: https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/117719...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com is the best of the options. I told her to ask about IS/ASET, so hopefully they can show me that as well.

 

[lovedogs]

@sledge I just tried to measure the stone with calipers. It was pretty impossible to get a depth measurement because I'm not sure where the stone "ends" in the setting.

In terms of length/width, my best estimate is 6.45 by something similar. Both dimensions are definitely bigger than 6.35 and smaller than 6.55. It was hard to get more precise than that.

 

[OoohShiny]

Angles aren't the most complimentary, and 80 LGF's. On still picture you can see where the angles is beginning to rear it's ugly head (see red marks).

I may be wrong... but I think those areas are just table reflection in the pavilion mains and shouldn't be anything to worry about 'in real life'?

I'm sure I read that somewhere... lol

I was told by Layla they only go down to K now. I was disappointed because I was wanting a lower color and had seen HPDs in lower colors. I wonder if you have to special order?

That is a pain! Layla knows her stuff so I'm not doubting her word in any way but it would be interesting to know the reasoning behind the decision! Perhaps @Paul-Antwerp might be able to confirm?

btw; just yesterday I pick a 56% table BG med blue for my daughter's bf. I can't wait to see the ring.

Cool! Is that for a ring for her BF? Or for her BF to give to her?

If the former, your influencing has worked well

What are you considering obstructions?

See below. Just because there is some imperfections doesn't mean it's not worthwhile. It's a good stone. It's not super ideal, but it's not priced like one either.

Edited:


Unedited:


WF Reference Image:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728105.htm

I think I'm right in saying that those small areas of leakage should be pretty minimal 'in real life' - it might have been Garry or John P that have previously posted on the subject, and I'm sure they said those sort of small areas, which aren't entirely white, shouldn't impact beauty when set

 

[Dancing Fire]

Cool! Is that for a ring for her BF? Or for her BF to give to her?

If the former, your influencing has worked well

 

[Wewechew]

It seems like once a week you are help a friend pick out a diamond lol That's got to be fun!

 

[Dancing Fire]

It seems like once a week you are help a friend pick out a diamond lol That's got to be fun!

Is fun to spend other people's $$$.

 

[sledge]

I may be wrong... but I think those areas are just table reflection in the pavilion mains and shouldn't be anything to worry about 'in real life'?

I'm sure I read that somewhere... lol

Possibly. I will try to do some more research. If I misread, my apologies.

I think I'm right in saying that those small areas of leakage should be pretty minimal 'in real life' - it might have been Garry or John P that have previously posted on the subject, and I'm sure they said those sort of small areas, which aren't entirely white, shouldn't impact beauty when set

Totally agree it's minimal. Not a reason to hold up the buying if this is "the one". I was just pointing it out so she was aware. I thought I tried to make that clear. Sorry if I somehow misconstrued the information.

 

[lovedogs]

That is a pain! Layla knows her stuff so I'm not doubting her word in any way but it would be interesting to know the reasoning behind the decision! Perhaps @Paul-Antwerp might be able to confirm?

I know I was hoping that a cbi in my size with a lower color (LMN) would be in my price range. I'm not sure about a special order, but I can ask! I always assume that any specific/special order will cost more, and the idea was to save $ haha. But good thinking, might as well ask!