Engagement ring shopping process help/advice

[MidAtlantic]

Firstly, Thank you so much for the detailed reply! I am seeking a 5-carat diamond. I guess I'm sort of backwards here, I'm pretty set on a particular setting since I saw so many designer rings. Now I'm just trying to figure out as you mentioned, my tolerance. The cut and clarity were not something that I was really paying attention to since I was trying to first figure out the size, but I guess it's all related. Also, I will definitely take a look at pricescope! I'm surprised I didn't stumble upon it during my research.

Cut is EVERYTHING. Even among GIA XXX, or others labeled "excellent" or "ideal", numbers matter. The precision of the cut will make or break light return. And that's what most folks look for in a diamond: the sparkle, the flash, the disco ball effect. Please educate yourself on cut before purchasing a 5 ct stone. Pricescope is a great place to start. Also, visit YouTube for some videos that can show you side-by-side comparisons of average, well-cut, and perfectly cut diamonds. You'll be amazed.

 

[diamondangel]

Hello,
I'm thankful for this thread because I just discovered yesterday that I've misplaced my engagement ring. My husband and I have been married for almost 22 years, and the diamond was a deal we got from my sister-in-law who has a personal jeweler. At this point I have no idea if I'm going to find it again. I joined Weight Watchers last month and have lost about 10 pounds, so that may be a factor. But I hadn't noticed it being particularly loose. My husband is saying to stay calm and keep looking. My fear is that I lost it down the sink but he thinks we might find it so he wants to spend several months searching before we give up. At least this will be motivation to deal with the clutter.

Thanks for the recommendation of pricescope. I will check into that and think about what I would like if we do end up replacing the ring.

 

[jillybee]

A ring from Tiffany or well known store like it will be more expensive because you are paying for the name. You can get your dream ring for less if you do your research and go to a reputable independent jeweler. Also, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A 5 carat ring with a poor cut or clarity may not look as stunning as a slightly smaller stone with better specs.

 

[ame]

Before you spend this kind of money, get educated on CUT. CUT CUT CUT. A diamond will not sparkle without proper cut!

James Allen is fine, Brian Gavin Diamonds is fine, High Performance Diamonds is fine, Good Old Gold is fine (out on Long Island in Mass park) and Whiteflash is fine. But before you do ANYTHING, get. educated.

 

[Mcandy]

Check etsy. Do you like antique or vintage rings.? My favorite there is goldadore. Dont go to chain mall if you can help it. They sell crappy diamonds but they offer a nice financing plans. If i were you i would research more about diamonds before i go around jewelry store. Its better to be educated about diamonds or whatever stones you like prior to ring shopping. Otherwise the SA would tricked you into spending an arm and leg over an I3 diamond lol. You can also consider other gemstones as engagement ring to be non traditional. I suggest sapphire and ruby. They are the stones second to diamond in hardness. Know more about the moh scores of every gemstones If you plan to use the engagement ring everyday it has to be hard enough to withstand daily usage. These gemstones are even rarer than diamonds. When you go to a jewelry store you can see how many is the ratio of diamonds versus other gem stones and most are even created and not natural.

 

[Lec8504]

Echoing everyone else’s advice about researching more about diamonds, particularly the all important “cut”. A larger diamond will be even more painfully obvious if it’s a poor cut or lower quality diamond.

Since you’re in NYC and if money isn’t an issue then I would highly recommend to look into Solasfera diamonds. The sparkle is crazy intense and the cut is perfectly suited for large diamonds.

 

[eustaciasgarden]

Get educated! We got my ring custom made in Antwerp (I’m in Europe) at Beldiamond. I found a ring that I loved that and originally we thought it would be the wedding ring, as it is a band ring, The owner told us to make it the engament ring because any traditional engagement ring would take away from the beauty of the ring. He also educated us on diamonds and what to splurge on and what to save on. Our original budget was 20k for an engagement ring.... The one we bought cost 4K and I love it! Go meet with a a bunch of jewelers and be honest about what you want and what your budget is. A good jewler will educate you and help you make an informed discussion.

 

[lulu_ma]

When I got engaged my husband paid the same price for my 2.86 ct F color VS2 Emerald cut as my friend did for his wife’s 1 carat Round diamond from Harry Winston. Both center stones were GIA certified.

My ring design was custom made based on a Van Cleef & Arpel design. In my opinion non-brand name is the way to go. Once you establish a good relationship with a jeweler in the diamond district, you are golden. These dealers can bring in a few stones for you to see side by side so you can decide what you love.

For me personally, color is important. I was really happy to get in the colorless bracket. But a good jeweler will guide you once you know what your priorities are.

GIA certificates level the playing field in my opinion. Why pay 2.5 times more for the name on the jewelry box?

 

[baglover4ever]

When I got engaged my husband paid the same price for my 2.86 ct F color VS2 Emerald cut as my friend did for his wife’s 1 carat Round diamond from Harry Winston. Both center stones were GIA certified.

My ring design was custom made based on a Van Cleef & Arpel design. In my opinion non-brand name is the way to go. Once you establish a good relationship with a jeweler in the diamond district, you are golden. These dealers can bring in a few stones for you to see side by side so you can decide what you love.

For me personally, color is important. I was really happy to get in the colorless bracket. But a good jeweler will guide you once you know what your priorities are.

GIA certificates level the playing field in my opinion. Why pay 2.5 times more for the name on the jewelry box?

Can I see a picture of your ring?? 2.98 Ct? VCA design? oh man ... that sounds beautiful!

 

[lulu_ma]

Remember this was a VCA design from the mid 1990’s! To my eye now, the setting looks a little clunky. I am actually looking into getting a more streamlined setting. This setting was hand rolled, not cast so it’s pretty heavy...

The baguettes are a total of .375 ctw