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Is ‘The Gem Guide’ publication truly a wholesale price guide? I’m interested in purchasing a round cut diamond, excellent or Ideal cut, VVS2 or better, H or better, no fluorescence, 3 to 3-1/2 carats.
Do any of the above benchmarks represent a poor value, ie – would anyone other than a jeweler see a difference between VVS2 & VS1? H or I? etc. Thanks.
We don’t know the gem guide. Generally speaking, if the diamond is eye-clean, there is no reason to pay for the highest clarity grade. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
What is the purpose of the diamond? Are you going to put it into an engagement ring?
Yes – the diamond is for an engagement ring I intend to have made.
Great. What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white gold, platinum) do you have in mind?
Also, what is your ballpark budget for the diamond?
Following are some pics of rings that I think are what we have in mind. I want the main focus of the ring to be the center stone, but still want some added style. When asked, my GF said she likes a very simple look with a round stone, but when I show her pics, she seemed to like the rings with some filigree. I also think that she would like a somewhat wider band as opposed to one that’s very thin.
I realize that some of these styles might not proportionally support a 3 carat center stone and that’s where I would need your advice as well.
Metal to be platinum or 18k white gold (is there a significant difference?). Most of what I see online for better quality rings are platinum.
I’d like to spend no more than about $75k for the ring overall and would like to spend significantly less than that if possible, but still want the ‘wow’ effect (hence the advice of an expert as to what aspects of the diamonds are where money should be spent).
……
Also like this ring:
Thanks for all the pictures.
If you’re having the ring custom made, they can build it for a 3ct diamond. You are right that most of the already made rings are for 1.50ct max.
Also, it doesn’t matter if you use white gold or platinum. We like white gold more. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. But some people are allergic to gold, so it really depends on what you prefer.
As for the main diamond, there are several options.
1) The best quality diamond from Brian Gavin. He is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds (https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/). BGD’s Signature diamonds are truly fantastic. They are all incredibly brilliant.
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.171-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104093785006?a_aid=y
The diamond is a bit new, so they are still working on putting the video on. But if you contact them directly, I’m pretty sure they will be able to send it to you once they get it.
2) Getting a diamond from companies like James Allen. Here is a beautiful diamond I found there:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1917471?a_aid=dmnd1357
Both options will look eye-clean and beautiful. With Brian Gavin, you get the added brilliance and luxury.
Check them out and let me know what you think.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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