Engagement Ring Choice Help!

[Dyoo]

Hi,

I’m an engineer, I did a lot of research, I bought an ASET scope, 100x microscope, etc.to check diamond’s reflective properties, their cuts, everything. And with my given specification/proportions of cut angles and dimensions, I found one out 1,200 diamonds from a search database from a respectful local jeweler. The specs are: color E, clarity VS2, triple Ex, no fluoresce, 1.02 Carat, price at around $10,000.00 USD. It is GIA inscribed and I verified with GIA if its authenticity. I have uploaded images of the diamond itself, and it’s a hearts and arrow diamond, top of the line diamond cut. Brilliantly sparkles/scintillation.

Tiffany diamond ring of clarity VS2, color H, of course all excellent cuts, for 1.01 Carat priced at $14,000 USD.

Let’s assume price isn’t the issue.

Which diamond would you guys want? Tiffany’s or the non-Tiffany’s in this scenario? Do you guys even care about the specifics?

 

[efleon]

I believe there are a lot of threads touching on the issue of Tiff diamond v non-Tiff diamond but most discuss the emotional aspect of the choice. You are asking a more specific question I think. If that’s the case then my advice would be to go for the GIA stone with better specs. However, if you need the Tiff setting and the customer service et al then you can’t go wrong with the Tiffany stone.
Because you are educated in diamond specs then you really don’t need the “can’t go wrong” Tiffany stone.
Personally, I would buy the GIA and spend the $4000 on an amazing setting!!!

 

[MmeHulot]

Is this for you, or for someone else? If it’s for you, the GIA is clearly the right answer. If it’s for someone else, what else do you know about that person’s jewelry taste?

If they have a drawerful of little blue boxes and hang out here, get the Tiffany. If they tend to buy vintage, or items from independent jewelers and they hangout at the Pricescope forums, then go for the GIA.

 

[Venice04]

I would pick the GIA stone because of its cut and color. The price should go down considerably from an "E" color to an "H" color. Once you put an E next to an H, the color difference is very noticeable. I have the same specs as the GIA stone for my engagement ring, and I have an anniversary band with H color. I always take them off and put them on a ring holder in the bathroom. I can't tell you how much the H color bugs me sitting right next to the E color! Also, if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I just cleaned my e-ring, (not my anniversary band)...

 

[WinterGreen]

I wanted the Tiffany setting for my e-ring. However, if I had known/learned about diamonds and price at the time, I would have gone with a non-Tiffany e-ring. Nobody could tell the difference of the Tiffany setting vs non-Tiffany setting. I'd pocket the 4K saving and buy a more recognizable "Tiffany" piece such as the Tiffany T collection.

 

[NurseAnn]

I’d go with the GIA stone all the way. Better cut, color, and price? There’s no contest.

 

[Julezah]

I don’t have much to add to what the previous posters have said, because I think their perspectives pretty much lay it out for you. It does seem clear from what you’ve listed above which is the better diamond. But maybe look at them in person as well as considering statistics?

I’m also curious, though, why you’re considering a Tiffany diamond at all? I’m not asking that to be argumentative. I think you might find your answer by considering that reason. There’s a definite X factor to the stone/ring, which was and remains important and special to me. Just something to consider!

Please update us with what you choose! Good luck deciding.

 

[BigBagLady]

I own the round Tiffany solitaire and think it's beautiful. I also own the same setting solitaire from Whiteflash with an ideal cut diamond. Both stones look just as gorgeous in very similar settings. The only difference is the price.

 

[Diamondbirdie]

Absolutely care about the specifics! For the money, I’d get something like this and put it in a similar setting to the classic Tiffany.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4178490.htm

 

[JG1994]

Hi, I’m a jeweler and gemologist in training. The difference between a Tiffany diamond and a GIA graded diamond is the accepted margin in what is considered an excellent cut. Ideal depth and table percentage in a GIA diamond range from 55-65% and a Tiffany diamond accepted margin for table is 55-60% and 60-65% for depth. Tiffany is stricter in what they consider excellent cut so the GIA diamond might be the equivalent of a very good cut at Tiffany even if it is ranked excellent at GIA.

 

[Diamondbirdie]

Hi, I’m a jeweler and gemologist in training. The difference between a Tiffany diamond and a GIA graded diamond is the accepted margin in what is considered an excellent cut. Ideal depth and table percentage in a GIA diamond range from 55-65% and a Tiffany diamond accepted margin for table is 55-60% and 60-65% for depth. Tiffany is stricter in what they consider excellent cut so the GIA diamond might be the equivalent of a very good cut at Tiffany even if it is ranked excellent at GIA.

If you look at parameters for superideal cuts, such as the one I posted, they are even tighter than that, and available at a much lower price. Seems a no brainer to me.

 

[JG1994]

If you look at parameters for superideal cuts, such as the one I posted, they are even tighter than that, and available at a much lower price. Seems a no brainer to me.

I’m not saying other diamonds don’t fall within those margins, just pointing out that it’s the only difference between Tiffany diamonds and other diamonds.

 

[kbell]

Does the 14000 Tiffany ring include the setting? And what are the cut specs on the Tiff diamond? (Actual angles etc not “excellent”) not all excellent cuts are equal. Some are way better than others. If the setting is included there’s much less price difference here than 4K. A good Tiffany equivalent setting will probably cost 2k minimum & not come with the Tiffany service.

 

[Venice04]

Does the 14000 Tiffany ring include the setting? And what are the cut specs on the Tiff diamond? (Actual angles etc not “excellent”) not all excellent cuts are equal. Some are way better than others. If the setting is included there’s much less price difference here than 4K. A good Tiffany equivalent setting will probably cost 2k minimum & not come with the Tiffany service.

Don't forget that the Tiffany stone is an "H" color, as opposed to the GIA stone, which is an "E." Big price difference there, and yet the Tiffany stone is more expensive. The OP posted ASET photos of an H & A diamond. I am sure the specs on it are tight. I agree with you that not all excellent cuts are equal, but I wouldn't go beyond a 57% table and a 62% depth, as both GIA and Tiffany allow.

 

[kbell]

Don't forget that the Tiffany stone is an "H" color, as opposed to the GIA stone, which is an "E." Big price difference there, and yet the Tiffany stone is more expensive. The OP posted ASET photos of an H & A diamond. I am sure the specs on it are tight. I agree with you that not all excellent cuts are equal, but I wouldn't go beyond a 57% table and a 62% depth, as both GIA and Tiffany allow.

I’d prefer a better cut over color. Some people are more color sensitive than others. Unless we have all the specs to compare, we don’t really know which cut is better. IF the Tiffany diamond is of equal quality cut & includes the ring setting & service that accompanies it - the price difference becomes very slim in my opinion.