hi all. i am new to the site and have started shopping for rings for my gf. today i looking at a Hearts Of fire ring. it was a total weight of 1.10 carats with center piece as well as in the band. they priced me out at 8500 dollars. my 3 questions are....
1. is this worth buying?
2. also if im gonna spend 8500-9500 should i go to tiffanys?
3.lastly.... or should i piece together a ring by buying the diamond separate and the band separate?
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Hearts Of Fire Ring
Started by bogeywon, Feb 10 2011 05:38 PM
18 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 10 February 2011 - 06:29 PM
1. It depends.
2. It depends.
3. It depends.
OK - kidding apart. It really does depend on what you (and your girlfriend) want. The HoF stone is going to be correctly described, really well cut, in a good quality setting, sold by a solid retailer with a high level of service, and it carries a certain brand value among informed consumers. All of which comes at a premium compared to "finding your own" (check out the Diamond Finder for price comparison on similar diamonds).
Tiffany is going to be even more "expensive" (less diamond for your buck), but quality will be impeccable, service levels very high and the brand will be instantly recognisable to all.
Piecing it together will cost less (and/or or get you a larger/whiter/clearer diamond and/or more elaborate setting), but it will cost time and effort, it may be frustrating at times - and great fun at others, the result will depend on your skill at finding a good dealer, a good stone and a good setting, and it's unlikely to carry any brand value.
2. It depends.
3. It depends.
OK - kidding apart. It really does depend on what you (and your girlfriend) want. The HoF stone is going to be correctly described, really well cut, in a good quality setting, sold by a solid retailer with a high level of service, and it carries a certain brand value among informed consumers. All of which comes at a premium compared to "finding your own" (check out the Diamond Finder for price comparison on similar diamonds).
Tiffany is going to be even more "expensive" (less diamond for your buck), but quality will be impeccable, service levels very high and the brand will be instantly recognisable to all.
Piecing it together will cost less (and/or or get you a larger/whiter/clearer diamond and/or more elaborate setting), but it will cost time and effort, it may be frustrating at times - and great fun at others, the result will depend on your skill at finding a good dealer, a good stone and a good setting, and it's unlikely to carry any brand value.
Davide - Specialised Consumer Information and Assistance,
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davide@diamondsbylauren.com
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#3
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Posted 10 February 2011 - 07:52 PM
Good advice from Davide. I would add that you should watch out for 'total weight' claims on diamond rings. A 1.00 carat diamond costs way way more than 10 similar 0.10cts stones. A 2 carater is way more than twice the price of a 1 carater, etc. It's not that there's anything wrong with buying a ring made out of a bunch of small stones but make sure you're shopping against similar assemblies from the competition.
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#4
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 08:19 AM
thanks for the fast responses! also do you think i should start with sacrificying diamond clarity (SI1/VS2) (because you can not see that to the naked eye) but get a good color (G,H,I) at 1st? my ideal ring would be....
1.50 carats in the center piece
.75 carats in the setting (halo setting)
do you think that is possible for 8500-9500 total out the door??
1.50 carats in the center piece
.75 carats in the setting (halo setting)
do you think that is possible for 8500-9500 total out the door??
#5
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 08:37 AM
No, I don't think you're going to make it, especially not if you're going with a branded ring and/or stone like you're discussing ,and expecially without compromising seriously on other attributes (like cutting). You seem to have changed topics here and you're now asking about a completely different set of issues. Did I miss something or did your HoF dealer have a 1.50 center stone included in their offer?
If you can't find what you want, you're going to have to compromise on SOMETHING. You can drop clarity/color/cut, you can drop size, or you can raise the budget. Personally, I would peg the top on cut, drop the size to something like 1.2x, avoid the brands, and leave the budget alone but that's me. Your results may vary.
If you can't find what you want, you're going to have to compromise on SOMETHING. You can drop clarity/color/cut, you can drop size, or you can raise the budget. Personally, I would peg the top on cut, drop the size to something like 1.2x, avoid the brands, and leave the budget alone but that's me. Your results may vary.
Edited by denverappraiser, 11 February 2011 - 08:40 AM.
Neil Beaty
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There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.
Professional Appraisals in Denver
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
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#6
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 08:52 AM
You're paying SO much for the name, but with HoF, you're definitely not going to see probably even a single stone ring at 1.5 carats center for 8-9k out the door.... And depending on what Color and Clarity (already presuming a Very Good (or Excellent) in Cut, Polish and SYmmetry..., you might not even find a non-branded diamond for that price. I would do a price comparison--if you haven't already--using the Diamond Finder tool at the top to at least give yourself a realistic ballpark idea of what you're going to expect to pay (or at least a ballpark idea) for a non-branded diamond with the Color, Clarity, size, etc, that you're looking for. Then go from there.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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#7
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 09:53 AM
1st of thank you to all! Your advice is making me much more educated on diamonds and making the whole experience a lot easier!
@ denverappraiser- sorry about that I didn't want to start a whole new thread. But to be more specific I've been to 2 very highly regarded jewelry places in michigan. 1. Lucidos 2. Jared
And the stones they offered were not name brand (HOF/Tiffany's ect) but this was what they had.
Princess cut (just the center stone diamond)
Clarity- I1
Color- I
Carat size- 1.47
Price- 6200
Setting:
.75-1 carat with halo
Total for both: 8-9k
What do you think?
@ denverappraiser- sorry about that I didn't want to start a whole new thread. But to be more specific I've been to 2 very highly regarded jewelry places in michigan. 1. Lucidos 2. Jared
And the stones they offered were not name brand (HOF/Tiffany's ect) but this was what they had.
Princess cut (just the center stone diamond)
Clarity- I1
Color- I
Carat size- 1.47
Price- 6200
Setting:
.75-1 carat with halo
Total for both: 8-9k
What do you think?
#8
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 09:58 AM
also this was my last question that confused you. Should I do the above for the 1st ring with the ability to exchange 1-2 years from now and get full price back or should I go with the HOF set up that is obviously a better cut but less carat weight at 1.10 and is (with the wedding band) another 1k-1500... Also all places offer excellent service and full life time warranty on all the diamonds as well as full replacements for any lost stones.
#9
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 10:24 AM
I'm going to try to address both you posts in one response, but in reverse order.
Why in the world would you bother spending a huge chunk of money just to upgrade in 1-2 years? Do it right. Do it once. If you wanna upgrade, do it years down the road where you can really make a big difference, for a landmark anniversary or something. Are you really going to do THAT much better in just a year or two to put into a diamond? (are you expecting an inheritance? If yes, then , my condolences and go for it)
Second...it seems to me that YOU'RE WAY more interested in size than quality. Why would you consider an I1 when you have a budget that big? You're getting graham crackers with peanutbutter when you've got a budget for caviar on melba toast. Trade down in size, and up in clarity. I would say go no lower than SI1, so you've got something that is eye-clean and stable. By DEFINITION, "I" Clarity diamonds are going to have OBVIOUS inclusions when viewed under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye and/or compromise the integrity of the stone. So you're getting an expensive, low-quality stone, just because it's bigger. This does NOT compute! I did the Diamond Finder and plugged in a wide criteria and was able to EASILY find a 1.30 I VS2--GIA graded,, Triple Excellent, for about $7300...that with the setting you want should still come in under that 9k that you've got to spend on the ring, you might even be able to get a matching band for the halo setting you indicated you want for that whole $9500 budget, and you'll have a much better quality, much better looking stone, that is going to hold its value and have a better resale value if you ever DO upgrade.
Why in the world would you bother spending a huge chunk of money just to upgrade in 1-2 years? Do it right. Do it once. If you wanna upgrade, do it years down the road where you can really make a big difference, for a landmark anniversary or something. Are you really going to do THAT much better in just a year or two to put into a diamond? (are you expecting an inheritance? If yes, then , my condolences and go for it)
Second...it seems to me that YOU'RE WAY more interested in size than quality. Why would you consider an I1 when you have a budget that big? You're getting graham crackers with peanutbutter when you've got a budget for caviar on melba toast. Trade down in size, and up in clarity. I would say go no lower than SI1, so you've got something that is eye-clean and stable. By DEFINITION, "I" Clarity diamonds are going to have OBVIOUS inclusions when viewed under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye and/or compromise the integrity of the stone. So you're getting an expensive, low-quality stone, just because it's bigger. This does NOT compute! I did the Diamond Finder and plugged in a wide criteria and was able to EASILY find a 1.30 I VS2--GIA graded,, Triple Excellent, for about $7300...that with the setting you want should still come in under that 9k that you've got to spend on the ring, you might even be able to get a matching band for the halo setting you indicated you want for that whole $9500 budget, and you'll have a much better quality, much better looking stone, that is going to hold its value and have a better resale value if you ever DO upgrade.
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#10
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 10:36 AM
BLESS you sir!! Now that's what I needed a good ole smack in the face!! I agree with you 100 percent! I want quality! So do I do what you said (bigger diamond) or do I get the HOF? And no I do not get an inheritance but I do make a very good living.
#11
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 10:55 AM
I'm a ma'am, actually 
(although, call me that to my face, and I'll cringe. Not til I'm at least 50! hehe)
I say get as big a diamond for your budget that is a TRADITIONALLY cut Round Brilliant (you're paying a premium for the Hearts on Fire name, and you're not getting that much out of it unless you just wanna brag that it's an HoF to everyone that sees the ring), that is an EXcellent or Very Good Cut Grade, Polish and Symmetry, is in the G-I range (GIA GRADED!), SI1 Clarity or higher that is EYE CLEAN! (SI1 can still have visible inclusions, so you'll have to do a little work to find a nice, eyeclean one, or you can make the small jump to VS2 and have something guaranteed to be face-up eye clean) and get whatever setting you want that keeps you in your budget.
Something like that 1.30 (which was just on my first page of results that was in the Color, Clarity and Cut range that was a low enough price that still left you room for a setting with side stones or melee (the little bitty diamonds--pronounced mel-E, not may-lay, like a fight) that you want) would be good--it's a respectable size, it'll face white, face eye clean, has great cut and symmetry so you're guaranteed some great sparkle and fire, and there's not a HUGE difference, visually, between a 1.30 and a 1.50 carat. Is there some--sure. Is it something that most people could tell with the naked eye without a side-by-side comparison? Not so much. Will there be people who can? Yes. Will you come across many of them...? Probably not.
I do not have a horse in this race--I don't currently work for any jewelry store--online or otherwise--but I can tell you that having worked for one that was mostly an online store (we had a retail location, too) and with the diamond sellers who are listed on here being vetted, if you were of the mind to give it a shot, you'd have really nothing to worry about.
(although, call me that to my face, and I'll cringe. Not til I'm at least 50! hehe)I say get as big a diamond for your budget that is a TRADITIONALLY cut Round Brilliant (you're paying a premium for the Hearts on Fire name, and you're not getting that much out of it unless you just wanna brag that it's an HoF to everyone that sees the ring), that is an EXcellent or Very Good Cut Grade, Polish and Symmetry, is in the G-I range (GIA GRADED!), SI1 Clarity or higher that is EYE CLEAN! (SI1 can still have visible inclusions, so you'll have to do a little work to find a nice, eyeclean one, or you can make the small jump to VS2 and have something guaranteed to be face-up eye clean) and get whatever setting you want that keeps you in your budget.
Something like that 1.30 (which was just on my first page of results that was in the Color, Clarity and Cut range that was a low enough price that still left you room for a setting with side stones or melee (the little bitty diamonds--pronounced mel-E, not may-lay, like a fight) that you want) would be good--it's a respectable size, it'll face white, face eye clean, has great cut and symmetry so you're guaranteed some great sparkle and fire, and there's not a HUGE difference, visually, between a 1.30 and a 1.50 carat. Is there some--sure. Is it something that most people could tell with the naked eye without a side-by-side comparison? Not so much. Will there be people who can? Yes. Will you come across many of them...? Probably not.
I do not have a horse in this race--I don't currently work for any jewelry store--online or otherwise--but I can tell you that having worked for one that was mostly an online store (we had a retail location, too) and with the diamond sellers who are listed on here being vetted, if you were of the mind to give it a shot, you'd have really nothing to worry about.
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#12
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 11:25 AM
You're looking for a princess center stone right?
I agree with Laurie, stay away from I1 on princesses unless they're REALLY cheap. I don't really mind the idea of buying size over quality if that's what you want but you need to be aware of your tradeoffs. It's a big deal.
Spend some time playing with the database here. Enter some specs and look up a stone. You can sort by price by clicking on the column header and you want to be looking at the top end of the price range for a particular clarity/color/weight set excluding obvious outliers. Then change a spec and do it again. Repeat this a dozen times or so and you'll get a pretty good feel for what changes with what spec. You're not looking for a stone here, you're looking for an education so stay away from the questions associated with wondering why the cheap ones are cheap (and there's always a reason).
Don't put too much merit in the tradein programs. They're handy if things work out right so I wouldn't call them bad but they lock you into a particular jeweler for the next purchase and this can turn out to be fairly costly.
I'm a Sir. And I'm over 50. Old guys rule
I agree with Laurie, stay away from I1 on princesses unless they're REALLY cheap. I don't really mind the idea of buying size over quality if that's what you want but you need to be aware of your tradeoffs. It's a big deal.
Spend some time playing with the database here. Enter some specs and look up a stone. You can sort by price by clicking on the column header and you want to be looking at the top end of the price range for a particular clarity/color/weight set excluding obvious outliers. Then change a spec and do it again. Repeat this a dozen times or so and you'll get a pretty good feel for what changes with what spec. You're not looking for a stone here, you're looking for an education so stay away from the questions associated with wondering why the cheap ones are cheap (and there's always a reason).
Don't put too much merit in the tradein programs. They're handy if things work out right so I wouldn't call them bad but they lock you into a particular jeweler for the next purchase and this can turn out to be fairly costly.
I'm a Sir. And I'm over 50. Old guys rule
Edited by denverappraiser, 11 February 2011 - 11:27 AM.
Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.
Professional Appraisals in Denver
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.
Professional Appraisals in Denver
#13
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 11:33 AM
denverappraiser, on 11 February 2011 - 11:25 AM, said:
I'm a Sir. And I'm over 50. Old guys rule
YOU may be a Sir, but he was talking to me
hehe
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#14
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 12:49 PM
No problem kid.
Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.
Professional Appraisals in Denver
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#15
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 12:54 PM
denverappraiser, on 11 February 2011 - 12:49 PM, said:
No problem kid.
hahaha! Promise you'll call me that forever?!
/threadjack
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#16
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 04:27 PM
You 2 are funny! Lol! Well I pulled the trigger. I went with quality and service over size. I bought the HOF ring. I also bought the wedding band. 10775 out the door. Thanks for all of your help!
#17
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Posted 11 February 2011 - 07:57 PM
We always aims to please Congrats on your purchase. I hope you'll come back and show us pictures of the ring and, of course, inquiring minds will want to hear all about the proposal as well
Cheers and congrats in advance to you and your gal
Congrats on your purchase. I hope you'll come back and show us pictures of the ring and, of course, inquiring minds will want to hear all about the proposal as well Cheers and congrats in advance to you and your gal
Diamonds Graduate, Pearls Graduate, AJP GIA
#18
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Posted 12 February 2011 - 02:56 AM
LaurieH, on 11 February 2011 - 12:54 PM, said:
denverappraiser, on 11 February 2011 - 12:49 PM, said:
No problem kid.
hahaha! Promise you'll call me that forever?!
/threadjack
Yes, Ma'am!
bogeywon - sorry, I was travelling yesterday. Congratulations, and if/when you have time, we would appreciate photos!
Davide - Specialised Consumer Information and Assistance,
Diamonds by Lauren (http://diamondsbylauren.com)
davide@diamondsbylauren.com
Diamonds by Lauren (http://diamondsbylauren.com)
davide@diamondsbylauren.com
#19
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Posted 12 February 2011 - 08:33 AM
Thanks! the rings are with my brother in a safety deposit box. But I will for sure update you guys with pics of the rings and the proposal! And these things shine like no other diamond I've ever seen!
