Buying An Engagement Ring When You’re Clueless

Q:

Hi Liz,

I am in the market of buying an engagement ring. I am clueless and I am going by what my future sister in law has. My budget is around $11,000.00 and am looking for a princess cut. I have been looking at this diamond with GIA report: https://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_princess_excellent_cut_e_if#/p=1715761

I am pretty much using the companies you have experience with. That is why I may be going through Zoara.

What do you think about this one? I am wondering if I would be able to get a better deal for something like this or better. So if can you direct me on buying an engagement ring I would be grateful!

Jim

A:

Hello Jim,

That particular Zoara diamond has no information pertaining to light performance. It just has the GIA diamond grading report with minimal cut proportion information. The image is a stock image and this diamond has been around since last November 2012.

Is there a reason why you want such a high clarity grade? Did you know that diamond clarity has nothing to do with brilliance or sparkle?

I just want you to make an informed diamond buying decision. Colorless diamonds with IF clarity does not necessarily equal a brilliant diamond. The cut is what determines brilliance. That is why it is important to purchase a diamond with this information in mind. The only way you can accurately assess light performance and white light return is through an ASET (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool) image. However, the problem is that most online retailers do not have this information.

I did write up a pretty straightforward guide to purchasing princess cut diamonds online. If you wanted to read what I suggest, you can read How To Buy Princess Cut Diamonds on ODBA. The information will really help you to understand how princess cut diamonds are graded and assessed.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

I thank you so much for your help.

I am going by spec and a family member’s opinion on which diamond I should purchase. What diamond would you choose or recommend? I need all the help I can get. Please let me know if you have any questions! I hope this information has helped you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Jim

A:

No problem Jim. I’m just glad that you understand how important a diamonds cut really is when buying an engagement ring.

You really cannot purchase a diamond off of paper. A lot of people think that this is all you need to determine the quality of a stone, but it is really buying blind.

Given your available budget, I recommend this diamond for you: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2947184.htm

This diamond is graded AGS Triple 0 Ideal (ideal light performance, polish, and symmetry) which lists this stone in the top 1% of all cut diamonds in the world. It’s ideal-scope and ASET image posted on Whiteflash’s website clearly show that this diamond is an excellent “performer”, meaning it will maximize light reflection and shine brilliantly. A diamond’s beauty comes from its brilliance which is a direct result of it’s CUT. You want to make sure that you have access to a diamond’s light reflection images to ensure that the diamond will reflect light well from within it’s facet structure. AGSL is the only lab that grades princess cut diamonds on their overall cut grade. GIA doesn’t grade princess cut diamonds on cut and therefore diamond professionals and connoisseurs prefer to deal with AGS when it comes to fancy shapes like the princess cut.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Thanks Liz!

But, what you feel about this one? https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2988897.htm

The only inclusion is a feather that I see on the sheet. When girls get together and they compare diamonds – They brag about specs – I just don’t want my wife to feel some type of way.

Liz again that you so much for your help – buying an engagement ring is really hard for me, I am about to just let her pick the diamond……

I am pretty much taking your advice and wish I can find something that looks great on paper or at least an E in color to balance it out – but you the expert.

Jim

A:

Hi Jim,

Now I see why you want such a clean diamond!!! You should have said that your lady wants a very very clean stone for bragging rights! 😉

Yes, I do like this diamond a lot. It is very very clean, with only a few tiny feathers located on the pavilion (bottom) of the stone. Overall, a very very nice diamond!!!

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Just to give you an update, I went ahead and reserved a diamond from Whiteflash and pretty much took your advise. I went with the better of the two: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2988897.htm

My situation is a little complicated due to the fact that I am in the army wont be home to the states till sometime next year. I put a deposit and they will wait for me to get home so I can finish the transaction.

Wow!!! Jim’s finished engagement ring! 1.216 ct F VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Princess Super Ideal Cut Diamond set in a 14k White Gold Verragio D-120 Split Claw 4 Prong with Rose Gold Shoulders Solitaire Engagement Ring.

I know for a fact that your diamond expert advise will come through when she sees the diamond.

Hopefully I can supply you with pictures once the final ring is made and tell you how happy I am with the decision.

Thanks again.

Jim

A:

You’re welcome Jim! Always happy to help when it comes to buying an engagement ring! Good luck overseas. I look forward to seeing your finished ring! 😉

Liz