3 replies to this topic

[InTheMarket]

I'm getting serious on buying an engagement ring, and recently came across a Solasfera diamond that I liked very much. 2.15 carat, SI1, J color, around $18,000. To my eye, this diamond was noticeably brighter than half a dozen others that I looked at. The diamonds I compared were of varying, but close weights, very good to ideal cut, and equal or better color and/or clarity. Also, the diamonds I compared this diamond to were not Solasferas.

Can someone provide an objective opinion on what sort of premium one pays for the Solasfera name, and whether or not it is worth it? Will this hold its value? Is J too far down the color spectrum to go for an engagement ring (will be in a platinum setting). I'm looking for something in the 2 carat range, and this is already at the top end of my budget.

Basically, it looks amazing to my untrained eye but I'm wary of brand names being gimmicky to the uneducated consumer. That said, I've vetted the dealer by both word of mouth and public forums, with nothing but glowing reviews. Thanks!

[davidelevi]

InTheMarket, on Wednesday, Jul 28 2010, 02:45 AM, said:

I'm getting serious on buying an engagement ring, and recently came across a Solasfera diamond that I liked very much. 2.15 carat, SI1, J color, around $18,000. To my eye, this diamond was noticeably brighter than half a dozen others that I looked at. The diamonds I compared were of varying, but close weights, very good to ideal cut, and equal or better color and/or clarity. Also, the diamonds I compared this diamond to were not Solasferas.

Every custom cut tends to have a specific look.The Solasfera cut is very bright, but to my eye - like all diamonds with many more facets than the classical brilliant (91 vs 57) - it has a look that is too busy. Then again, I like older cuts, with chunkier facets, even more. As ever, taste is personal and there is no right or wrong. Just make sure this is a look you - and even more importantly she - like for the long term as opposed to being very impressive at first sight but "not quite what I expected/wanted/liked".

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Can someone provide an objective opinion on what sort of premium one pays for the Solasfera name,

Solasfera is quite cagey with prices, and does not allow dealers to publish them, so this is a difficult question to gauge, particularly with an SI stone where prices may vary by 30% or more just depending on the visibility of inclusions. Let's put it this way: you can find diamonds with similar characteristics (GIA Excellent or AGS Ideal cut, J/SI1) for as little as $10k; the top end for a similar traditional round brilliant from a premium dealer is around $16/$18k. From that point of view, you may be paying relatively little premium (10%?), but it's difficult to say without looking at the diamond, the package it comes with and the alternatives.

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and whether or not it is worth it?

This is largely down to taste - if you are in love with the look, it's the only way to get it. Also, Solasfera are quite careful in choosing dealers, and these dealers in general offer high levels of service and generous return/trade/cash-back policies. All of these things have a value, but what their value is to you, only you can determine.

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Will this hold its value?

Don't ever buy a diamond or another piece of jewellery for that reason. In some cases, the dealer is offering cash back of 70, 80 or even 100% of the price paid for a certain period of time, or even some appreciation if the item is traded in against a more expensive piece. Of course, all these are only as good as the dealer's business, and if they go bust, so does the value promise. On the open market, branded/custom cuts are more difficult to resell, and may trade in at a discount compared to more traditional stones.

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Is J too far down the color spectrum to go for an engagement ring (will be in a platinum setting).

Most definitely not. Particularly with a Solasfera, which is a very bright and reflective cut, you will not see a tint looking from above. Now, if you look at it from the side, and it's an open and high setting, you will see body colour against a white background, and if you put it face up side-by-side with a high colour stone it will look different. Having said all this, a lot of people like warm white more than icy white, and if the main reason to buy diamond were its lack of colour, we'd all buy quartz.

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I'm looking for something in the 2 carat range, and this is already at the top end of my budget.

Well, you can definitely get "different" (slightly larger, slightly whiter, slightly less included, different cut, spend more on the setting and slightly less on the centre), but if you want a top 2.00 ct stone, you aren't going to spend much less without going for some uncommon strategy (O to V colour; second hand/antique; eye-clean I1)

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Basically, it looks amazing to my untrained eye but I'm wary of brand names being gimmicky to the uneducated consumer.

It's not a gimmick; the Solasfera cut delivers stunning looks, it's designed, manufactured and retailed to the highest standards. It's a gimmick; a traditional brilliant can look as good (different, but as good), it will be easier to resell or upgrade and it will cost somewhat less. The facts in both those statements are true; you need to decide your attitude to it.

Quote

That said, I've vetted the dealer by both word of mouth and public forums, with nothing but glowing reviews. Thanks!

That is most important. At the end of the day, if you are looking at spending a sizable chunk of money on something where they are the expert and you know little, you must be able to trust them and work with them.

[InTheMarket]

Thank you so much for your input. I believe I'm going to go back and comp it again vs. a few more stones for some peace of mind before pulling the trigger. Looking to keep second guessing to a minimum here!

If anyone else has advice, I'd love to hear it.

davidelevi, on Wednesday, Jul 28 2010, 04:08 AM, said:

InTheMarket, on Wednesday, Jul 28 2010, 02:45 AM, said:

I'm getting serious on buying an engagement ring, and recently came across a Solasfera diamond that I liked very much. 2.15 carat, SI1, J color, around $18,000. To my eye, this diamond was noticeably brighter than half a dozen others that I looked at. The diamonds I compared were of varying, but close weights, very good to ideal cut, and equal or better color and/or clarity. Also, the diamonds I compared this diamond to were not Solasferas.

Every custom cut tends to have a specific look.The Solasfera cut is very bright, but to my eye - like all diamonds with many more facets than the classical brilliant (91 vs 57) - it has a look that is too busy. Then again, I like older cuts, with chunkier facets, even more. As ever, taste is personal and there is no right or wrong. Just make sure this is a look you - and even more importantly she - like for the long term as opposed to being very impressive at first sight but "not quite what I expected/wanted/liked".

Quote

Can someone provide an objective opinion on what sort of premium one pays for the Solasfera name,

Solasfera is quite cagey with prices, and does not allow dealers to publish them, so this is a difficult question to gauge, particularly with an SI stone where prices may vary by 30% or more just depending on the visibility of inclusions. Let's put it this way: you can find diamonds with similar characteristics (GIA Excellent or AGS Ideal cut, J/SI1) for as little as $10k; the top end for a similar traditional round brilliant from a premium dealer is around $16/$18k. From that point of view, you may be paying relatively little premium (10%?), but it's difficult to say without looking at the diamond, the package it comes with and the alternatives.

Quote

and whether or not it is worth it?

This is largely down to taste - if you are in love with the look, it's the only way to get it. Also, Solasfera are quite careful in choosing dealers, and these dealers in general offer high levels of service and generous return/trade/cash-back policies. All of these things have a value, but what their value is to you, only you can determine.

Quote

Will this hold its value?

Don't ever buy a diamond or another piece of jewellery for that reason. In some cases, the dealer is offering cash back of 70, 80 or even 100% of the price paid for a certain period of time, or even some appreciation if the item is traded in against a more expensive piece. Of course, all these are only as good as the dealer's business, and if they go bust, so does the value promise. On the open market, branded/custom cuts are more difficult to resell, and may trade in at a discount compared to more traditional stones.

Quote

Is J too far down the color spectrum to go for an engagement ring (will be in a platinum setting).

Most definitely not. Particularly with a Solasfera, which is a very bright and reflective cut, you will not see a tint looking from above. Now, if you look at it from the side, and it's an open and high setting, you will see body colour against a white background, and if you put it face up side-by-side with a high colour stone it will look different. Having said all this, a lot of people like warm white more than icy white, and if the main reason to buy diamond were its lack of colour, we'd all buy quartz.

Quote

I'm looking for something in the 2 carat range, and this is already at the top end of my budget.

Well, you can definitely get "different" (slightly larger, slightly whiter, slightly less included, different cut, spend more on the setting and slightly less on the centre), but if you want a top 2.00 ct stone, you aren't going to spend much less without going for some uncommon strategy (O to V colour; second hand/antique; eye-clean I1)

Quote

Basically, it looks amazing to my untrained eye but I'm wary of brand names being gimmicky to the uneducated consumer.

It's not a gimmick; the Solasfera cut delivers stunning looks, it's designed, manufactured and retailed to the highest standards. It's a gimmick; a traditional brilliant can look as good (different, but as good), it will be easier to resell or upgrade and it will cost somewhat less. The facts in both those statements are true; you need to decide your attitude to it.

Quote

That said, I've vetted the dealer by both word of mouth and public forums, with nothing but glowing reviews. Thanks!

That is most important. At the end of the day, if you are looking at spending a sizable chunk of money on something where they are the expert and you know little, you must be able to trust them and work with them.

[HeartAndStone]

You're hooked on a Solasfera cut, and you state .. " I'm looking for something in the 2 carat range, and this is already at the top end of my budget." Don't pull the trigger boy.. your girl would not appreciate it either.
InTheMarket, explore the market You need to meet more diamonds, I think you need to use the "Find my Jeweler" and then visit their nearest B&M.
Evaluate your girl's taste when it comes to jewelry, and maybe you'll learn that she only wants a classic round-cut brilliant... Keep us posted!