56 replies to this topic

[LaurieH]

The best thing to look on is at the top of the page at the "Diamond Finder" tool and plug in the specs. Honestly, it'd be the same thing we'd do to compare. Have a look and see if what they're asking you for what you've looked at fits comfortably within the price range that you're seeing. Too far either direction, and there might be a red flag, but somewhere nicely in the middle there...you know you're on point

[nancial]

Thanks Laurie, I did that, and if you take out the ones that are EGL - Israel, then it seems to be good.
I have to ask - only because I always do ... Is this a stone any of you would buy? If not, is it like the last ones, and because it just doesn't excite anyone, or any other reason? Just curious...

[davidelevi]

It is more "exciting" (to me at least) - if nothing else because it's a D, and they are a little bit special. The main thing is that it seems to excite you - and that's always a good sign.

Do you have a Tiffany store nearby? Just for the fun of it, go there and compare... not the prices, but the cut. If you still feel that the 1.71 D/SI1 looks at least as good as any there, then go for it!

[nancial]

Thanks, Davidelevi, Again - great advice. I do have one nearby, and will do that... I am curious, do you recommend them because they have the "best of the best" so it is a good place to research, or for another reason. Also, I am assuming I should look at similar ratings there - (D SI1..) to get the comparison. I also wonder if you know if their rating is GIA, as I know they offer their own certs with rings, so just didn't know if there is any alteration when evaluating ratings..
Lastly, when I looked at the stone, I compared it to other SI1 stones as well as VS2 - it (to me) looked more like a VS2. Although I have learned my way around a loop these few weeks, I am not obviously nearly as competent to make that call as you folks are - just was curious if I should check out the "v" group at Tiffany's too..?

THANKS AGAIN!!!

davidelevi, on 02 June 2011 - 06:04 PM, said:

It is more "exciting" (to me at least) - if nothing else because it's a D, and they are a little bit special. The main thing is that it seems to excite you - and that's always a good sign.

Do you have a Tiffany store nearby? Just for the fun of it, go there and compare... not the prices, but the cut. If you still feel that the 1.71 D/SI1 looks at least as good as any there, then go for it!

[davidelevi]

The reason I'm suggesting Tiffany is because they have reasonably well cut (and above all, consistently cut) diamonds. Don't worry about clarity or colour too much; focus on brightness, scintillation, fire and contrast patterns - pick something roughly the same size and see if you like it as much, less or more as the one you have just seen.

I believe Tiffany now use their own lab to grade all stones except possibly for very important ones (>5.00 ct) where they may still have a GIA grade. Since the stone you are looking at is GIA graded, there is no doubt that it is what it says on the tin...

[nancial]

Thank you for the advice - I am looking forward to it - never thought I would diamond browse at Tiffany's, so thank you for giving me a valid reason to do so!
BTW, I just now noticed your website address - you have gorgeous items!

davidelevi, on 02 June 2011 - 06:32 PM, said:

The reason I'm suggesting Tiffany is because they have reasonably well cut (and above all, consistently cut) diamonds. Don't worry about clarity or colour too much; focus on brightness, scintillation, fire and contrast patterns - pick something roughly the same size and see if you like it as much, less or more as the one you have just seen.

I believe Tiffany now use their own lab to grade all stones except possibly for very important ones (>5.00 ct) where they may still have a GIA grade. Since the stone you are looking at is GIA graded, there is no doubt that it is what it says on the tin...

[davidelevi]

Thank you!

[nancial]

You're welcome - Do you create all your own jewelry? It is fantastic. I love the Vintage style cut stone - from old Europe or something of that nature - how gorgeous! I know a nice group of women who are going to be viewing your site in addition to myself. You should be very proud of these gorgeous items..

davidelevi, on 02 June 2011 - 06:53 PM, said:

Thank you!

[davidelevi]

With very few exceptions, it's all custom made in our factories. The yellow old miners are cut to order for us; some are using cutting patterns dating back to 1850 or earlier. I am very proud indeed.

Edited by davidelevi, 02 June 2011 - 07:03 PM.

[nancial]

You should be - they are fantastically gorgeous! I have another quick question - only because I couldn't seem to find this in my searching - what change in CT weight is noticeable visually? For example, if you are looking at one ring that is 1.8CT vs 2.0 ct would it be that much of a difference, as I know the weight jumps...? is there a "threshold" of size that becomes more noticieable? I know a lot would depend on cuts, but in general for a round stone? I just want to make sure as I come closer to making a final decision I have as much information as possible...

Thank you!!

davidelevi, on 02 June 2011 - 06:59 PM, said:

With very few exceptions, it's all custom made in our factories. The yellow old miners are cut to order for us; some are using cutting patterns dating back to 1850 or earlier. I am very proud indeed.

[davidelevi]

Your best bet is to disregard the weight altogether and look at the diameter. As a rough rule of thumb, 0.5 mm you will see and remember (as in: shown one stone and then the other, you'll be able to tell which is larger without comparison). 0.2 mm you will see with the stones next to each other but are unlikely to remember, and 0.1 mm is at the edge of visibility with comparison. Hundredths of mm you won't see.

Having said this, a well cut stone will look larger because it sends back more light, and personal visual acuity varies. So, help yourself from the salt bucket.

Edited by davidelevi, 04 June 2011 - 03:55 AM.

[nancial]

Hello All,
Well, I went to Tiffany's - what a treat that was! Nice to see how the other half lives, that's for sure! Everything I looked at there was stunning, as I expected it would be. I decided to immediately go see the D stone I was considering right after, while the Tiffany beauties were still in my head. When I saw the stone again, I made my decision - it was perfect. The Tiffany stones had nothing on this one that I could see. I love this stone! I am happy to say I have finally found my dream ring. I had it set in a pave split shank setting with .25 ct on either side, and I just LOVE it. It has this gorgeous fire and brilliance, and an "icy" look. I love it.

I wanted to let you all know how grateful I am for this experience. I am by no means wealthy, and this for me was a once in a lifetime. I have never in my life purchased any jewelry for myself of any significance. We both work very hard for our money, and these funds were built over time of extra work in a little "fun" kitty..I have always been drawn to diamonds. The only diamond I have ever owned is my engagement ring (which will always be my top favorite). It was my 3 year old son who noticed when I would go to stores, I would look at all the diamond rings with some sort of longings I suppose. He asked my husband to please get me one for mother's day. That is what started this. My three children 5,3, and 2 collectively informed me that they wanted me to have the perfect ring and envy none. This alone touched me, and was all the gift I needed. It is important to me that you all realize how helpful you have been. I would not, and I am convinced, found this perfect stone and gained the knowledge without your help. I appreciate that you offered expert opinions, guidance, education, and advice solely out of the goodness of your hearts. I don't know how to thank you for that - What I realized today when I saw the ring, -and it surprised me -was there seems to be a hidden gift I didn't expect. when I looked at it - I thought of all of you. The bonus of this ring now has a symbolic meaning to me that there are wonderful people out there that will take the time to help a virtual stranger. I will always be grateful for that and enjoy my ring more because of it.
I know for you it may have been easy or just fun to help out, but for me, it made a dream for my family to provide me with this, a reality.

I know this may be corny, but I really felt the need to explain to you how heartfelt my appreciation is and thank you for the gift of knowing there are selfless souls out there still, that will help a faceless neighbor....
(sorry for the really long post!)

[davidelevi]

What? And you think we do this just out of the kindness of our hearts? We want pictures, young lady!

Kidding apart - it's been a pleasure to help, and I'm really glad that you got something you love and will cherish, not just because it's a beautiful diamond, but because of the story behind it and what it means. May you wear and enjoy it in good health for a very long time.

Oh, and I wasn't kidding about the photos. Please do post - as many as you want and can. We all love to see what others like!

[nancial]

Here are some I just took with my phone. I do not have access right now to my SLR but will try to get better ones when I can - this certainly does not give the ring justice, but should provide an overview of the look...
I have told anyone who will listen about your website as well as this forum. I have had a folks call me back already to comment on your fantastic work, plus I have my eye on a couple of pieces (this self indulgence thing isn't so bad! I could get used to it!), so hopefully there will be some tangible benefit as well. Lord knows you earned it...

I apologize for the quality of these photos as they are cell phone substance..

davidelevi, on 04 June 2011 - 01:34 PM, said:

What? And you think we do this just out of the kindness of our hearts? We want pictures, young lady!

Kidding apart - it's been a pleasure to help, and I'm really glad that you got something you love and will cherish, not just because it's a beautiful diamond, but because of the story behind it and what it means. May you wear and enjoy it in good health for a very long time.

Oh, and I wasn't kidding about the photos. Please do post - as many as you want and can. We all love to see what others like!

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[nancial]

Hi Davidelevi,
I tried to email you, however I "wasn't permitted"... so.. I found a piece on the diamonds by lauren website. I have a friend who just was diagnosed with cancer, and I thought this to be the perfect gift for her at this time (it is the journey pendant). Anyway, part of the reason that I wanted to purchase this was for all your fabulous help - but I am unclear as if this is your store or how this works - I just want to make sure this will benefit you in some way, for all your help, you have deserved at least this...

Thanks

[LaurieH]

beautiful ring! i'm not normally a fan of criss-cross settings, but something about that balances very nicely congrats on your purchase

[davidelevi]

nancial - I am really sorry about your friend.

You may email me on davide (at) diamondsbylauren (dot) com for whatever questions you may have, on DBL pieces or otherwise - or simply call David on the phone. I appreciate the thought - it's definitely too kind. I am kind of a partner in the business (a very small one), so anything you buy will benefit me, but I'm doing this because I enjoy it, and finding great people to talk to is always fun.

On your diamond: I look forward to seeing the better photos. At the moment, it looks rather sparkly and fairly large!