BMW i5 and 5-Series Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-17-2013, 07:18 PM   #111
BayMoWe335
Colonel
1219
Rep
2,132
Posts

Drives: 2010 E92 335i 6MT
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by carve View Post
Rubies are more rare than diamonds, and less expensive. Plenty of stuff is more rare than diamond
http://io9.com/5902212/ten-gemstones...r-than-diamond
Diamonds as a whole might not be all that rare because most are used for industrial purposes. The very top diamonds like a 1.5 ct E VVS1 are extremely rare diamonds, meaning even if I gave you a pile of diamonds, you probably wouldn't find one like that. And by rare, I meant rarest possible diamond. Not getting my wife another stone.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 07:44 PM   #112
Laguna Seca Blue
Major
Laguna Seca Blue's Avatar
United_States
348
Rep
1,114
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 MT | 958.1 Cayenne GTS
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious View Post
Been thinking the same things.
Mainly curious what size most went with.

Still a bit confused about certification differences
If i'm understanding you correctly, you're confused about what the difference is between the various labs that grade diamonds, is that right?

Basically, it's fairly simple. None of the labs are particularly good, they screw up color and clarity gradings all the time. However, if one lab was to get an award for "least mess-ups" it would be the GIA. In my experience, the GIA is the gold standard when it comes to diamond grading. For example, a stone that receives a color grade of F from the GIA will most likely get a E or D grade if graded by IGI or HRD. Diamond labs are in business because diamond wholesalers GIVE them business. A lab that doesn't have a particularly good reputation will very quickly stop receiving jobs unless they over-grade.

I always tell my clients to always stick with GIA graded stones and to use my eyes, or another diamond professional they trust to verify. The average consumer is none the wiser and will go and buy IGI certified stones because they think they're getting a good deal. They're not. They are paying more for less. I know AGS has a good reputation in the US because they use a more in-depth cutting scale than the GIA, but again, they over-grade color and clarity which are the two main determining factors when it comes to a diamonds value.

Hope that helps.
__________________
E92 335i 6MT | Balloon White | Black Dakota Leather - Sold
PROcede Rev3 V5 | AE Quad Exhaust | BMW Performance Short Shift Kit | Gunmetal 19" M3 GTS Wheels | BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 | AST 4100 Coilovers | Swift Springs F:280 R:560 | ER Charge Pipe | Tial Blue BOV | VRSF 3" Downpipes | VRSF 7" Intercooler

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=782212
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 07:49 PM   #113
Rotorocious
Lieutenant Colonel
Rotorocious's Avatar
105
Rep
1,520
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious View Post
Been thinking the same things.
Mainly curious what size most went with.

Still a bit confused about certification differences
If i'm understanding you correctly, you're confused about what the difference is between the various labs that grade diamonds, is that right?

Basically, it's fairly simple. None of the labs are particularly good, they screw up color and clarity gradings all the time. However, if one lab was to get an award for "least mess-ups" it would be the GIA. In my experience, the GIA is the gold standard when it comes to diamond grading. For example, a stone that receives a color grade of F from the GIA will most likely get a E or D grade if graded by IGI or HRD. Diamond labs are in business because diamond wholesalers GIVE them business. A lab that doesn't have a particularly good reputation will very quickly stop receiving stones from wholesalers to grade unless they over-grade.

I always tell my clients to always stick with GIA graded stones and to use my eyes, or another diamond professional they trust to verify. The average consumer is none the wiser and will go and buy IGI certified stones because they think they're getting a good deal. They're not. They are paying more for less. I know AGS has a good reputation in the US because they use a more in-depth cutting scale than the GIA, but again, they over-grade color and clarity which are the two main determining factors when it comes to a diamonds value.

Hope that helps.
Yea it does thanks.
To put it in my simple car guy mind way: if the whole Dyno jet vs mustang Dyno argument is correct...

Gia - like a mustang Dyno. More accurate results.

Egl- Dynojet. Reads Higher numbers but not necessarily as accurate/true.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 07:53 PM   #114
bing240sx
Captain
124
Rep
686
Posts

Drives: F87 M2C /// E90 M3 ESS-VT2
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

i had a really good experience with www.bluenile.com

they were less than half the price of the best jewellers around me, but i was looking in canada of course. plus their diamonds are GIA certified (arguably the best certification) and laser inscribed so you can defend against diamond swapping.

overnight fedex too.

easily saved me $4k vs what was available locally, this was about 8 years ago too.

I also agree with some of the advice here as far as play to her expectations. whatever she is asking for... go a couple notches above that just to be safe. you want her to be proud of the ring; more importantly, you want other guys to know just how married she is.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 07:54 PM   #115
upstatedoc
I'll get back to you
upstatedoc's Avatar
7541
Rep
2,132
Posts

Drives: blue streak
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: not downstate

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by carve View Post
Boobies are more rare than diamonds, and less expensive. Plenty of muff is more rare than diamond
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscarrol View Post
Can we get back to the boobies??
__________________
2018 Stinger GT
2009 E90 N51 /Active Autowerke Stage 2 tune/BMW Performance Exhaust/
Countermeasure enthusiast.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 07:58 PM   #116
Rotorocious
Lieutenant Colonel
Rotorocious's Avatar
105
Rep
1,520
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bing240sx
i had a really good experience with www.bluenile.com

they were less than half the price of the best jewellers around me, but i was looking in canada of course. plus their diamonds are GIA certified (arguably the best certification) and laser inscribed so you can defend against diamond swapping.

overnight fedex too.

easily saved me $4k vs what was available locally, this was about 8 years ago too.

I also agree with some of the advice here as far as play to her expectations. whatever she is asking for... go a couple notches above that just to be safe. you want her to be proud of the ring; more importantly, you want other guys to know just how married she is.
I'm considering going that route just concerned with it looking different than what I expect when it gets matched back to the ring (local jeweler)
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 08:05 PM   #117
upstatedoc
I'll get back to you
upstatedoc's Avatar
7541
Rep
2,132
Posts

Drives: blue streak
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: not downstate

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bing240sx View Post
i had a really good experience with www.bluenile.com
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious View Post
I'm considering going that route just concerned with it looking different than what I expect when it gets matched back to the ring (local jeweler)
On a serious note, I went with blue nile. No local jeweler could come close to their prices and I had the ring appraised for more than what I paid for it. I'm pretty sure it is GIA certified, I'd haveto look for the certificate...
__________________
2018 Stinger GT
2009 E90 N51 /Active Autowerke Stage 2 tune/BMW Performance Exhaust/
Countermeasure enthusiast.

Last edited by upstatedoc; 10-18-2013 at 09:49 AM..
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 08:06 PM   #118
bing240sx
Captain
124
Rep
686
Posts

Drives: F87 M2C /// E90 M3 ESS-VT2
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious View Post
I'm considering going that route just concerned with it looking different than what I expect when it gets matched back to the ring (local jeweler)
i had diamond set in an off the shelf setting from bluenile. they sent an appraisal along with the ring / diamond.

when it arrived i had it reappraised right away and that appraisal came in much higher than the one supplied by blue nile.

i dont remember exactly but i went with quality over size... roughly .75ct IF (internally flawless), D colour, brilliant cut... something like that.

depends on what her hands look like. if she has small hands / fingers she's going to save you a bunch of money... there is a man-hands-tax when it comes to engagement rings i guess

you can definitely go too big imho... if it starts to obstruct basic function that's too big.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 08:11 PM   #119
upstatedoc
I'll get back to you
upstatedoc's Avatar
7541
Rep
2,132
Posts

Drives: blue streak
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: not downstate

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bing240sx View Post
there is a man-hands-tax when it comes to engagement rings i guess
__________________
2018 Stinger GT
2009 E90 N51 /Active Autowerke Stage 2 tune/BMW Performance Exhaust/
Countermeasure enthusiast.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 08:36 PM   #120
MiddleAgedAl
Lieutenant
110
Rep
418
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: sitting down, facing the keyboard

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bing240sx View Post
you can definitely go too big imho... if it starts to obstruct basic function that's too big.
Glad to see the thread has drifted back to boobies.

Appreciate 0
      10-17-2013, 08:48 PM   #121
BayMoWe335
Colonel
1219
Rep
2,132
Posts

Drives: 2010 E92 335i 6MT
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bing240sx View Post
i had a really good experience with www.bluenile.com

they were less than half the price of the best jewellers around me, but i was looking in canada of course. plus their diamonds are GIA certified (arguably the best certification) and laser inscribed so you can defend against diamond swapping.

overnight fedex too.

easily saved me $4k vs what was available locally, this was about 8 years ago too.

I also agree with some of the advice here as far as play to her expectations. whatever she is asking for... go a couple notches above that just to be safe. you want her to be proud of the ring; more importantly, you want other guys to know just how married she is.
Agree....I went there because the selection is amazing. They have D Flawless diamonds that essentially no retailer even carry. I went to Tiffany and those guys wouldn't even make me a ring with the stats I wanted nor did they even have one in stock across all stores. I walked out.
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 12:22 AM   #122
BMWrules7
Lieutenant Colonel
367
Rep
1,684
Posts

Drives: 2015, 740 LdX, Alpine White
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Boston Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bringsmewomen
How much do you think you should spend on an engagement ring? I heard the old 3 months salary is out of date now and no one practical should be spending that much. What are your guys thoughts?
Give her what you are. Find her the clearest stone you can afford. If it turns out to be .5 karat and it's crystal clear then go for it.

Don't go for the cloudy large gaudy looking thing.

The ring is but a symbol of your love and it is not the love.

Having a large ring is like having a large peace sign. A smaller peace sign sends the same message.

Materialism sucks. Show her that you are smart (good quality) and wise (small stone).

Take the time to learn how diamonds are graded. Then go for the best looking stone.

Keep it under .75. Don't send the wrong message this early in the game. If she is dissatisfied with your classy cut, then you might need to rethink things.

Don't go for a large yellow rock.
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 12:36 AM   #123
hudamang
Enlisted Member
hudamang's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: Hopefully M4
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Plenty of retailers carry D color. Shoot..even costco does!

http://www.costco.com/1.67-ctw%2c-IF...100007245.html



Edit: My bad...you wrote Flawless D color...true..not many carry that!
__________________
To M3 or M4...that is the question.
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 01:08 AM   #124
Laguna Seca Blue
Major
Laguna Seca Blue's Avatar
United_States
348
Rep
1,114
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 MT | 958.1 Cayenne GTS
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious View Post
Yea it does thanks.
To put it in my simple car guy mind way: if the whole Dyno jet vs mustang Dyno argument is correct...

Gia - like a mustang Dyno. More accurate results.

Egl- Dynojet. Reads Higher numbers but not necessarily as accurate/true.

Yup, that's right! And reading on, I would recommend staying away from Blue Nile. They drop ship stones from whole sellers directly to the consumer. They never have the opportunity to verify the quality of the stone themselves relying solely on GIA/AGS certification. However, there are several important things that the GIA does not check for:

1. Does the diamond display any tinges of brown or green?
2. Does the diamond appear milky or blurry in certain lighting conditions?
3. Are the inclusions visible with the naked eye?
4 Are the inclusions white or dark in color?

These are important factors when considering a diamond. If any of you guys are in the hunt right now, feel free to drop me a line PM and I'll help you out
__________________
E92 335i 6MT | Balloon White | Black Dakota Leather - Sold
PROcede Rev3 V5 | AE Quad Exhaust | BMW Performance Short Shift Kit | Gunmetal 19" M3 GTS Wheels | BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 | AST 4100 Coilovers | Swift Springs F:280 R:560 | ER Charge Pipe | Tial Blue BOV | VRSF 3" Downpipes | VRSF 7" Intercooler

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=782212
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 07:49 AM   #125
Rotorocious
Lieutenant Colonel
Rotorocious's Avatar
105
Rep
1,520
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (3)

Well damn. Good catch. I was wondering how they were with returns. Everything I read about them said it was a pain.

Is there another online diamond search you recommend?
James Allen is another I've heard of.
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 09:01 AM   #126
secretsquirrel
Colonel
secretsquirrel's Avatar
202
Rep
2,347
Posts

Drives: f80
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Far North Dallas

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWrules7 View Post
Give her what you are. Find her the clearest stone you can afford. If it turns out to be .5 karat and it's crystal clear then go for it.

Don't go for the cloudy large gaudy looking thing.

The ring is but a symbol of your love and it is not the love.

Having a large ring is like having a large peace sign. A smaller peace sign sends the same message.

Materialism sucks. Show her that you are smart (good quality) and wise (small stone).

Take the time to learn how diamonds are graded. Then go for the best looking stone.

Keep it under .75. Don't send the wrong message this early in the game. If she is dissatisfied with your classy cut, then you might need to rethink things.

Don't go for a large yellow rock.
This man gets it!
And if you upgrade later, make sure you do it in 10 year increments or so. Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you play it that way. Your affection for your wife is not proportional to the size of the ring. Don't get caught up in the hype.
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 09:10 AM   #127
Templar
Lieutenant Colonel
Templar's Avatar
United_States
273
Rep
1,883
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: One of the coasts...

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW M3  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by secretsquirrel View Post
This man gets it!
And if you upgrade later, make sure you do it in 10 year increments or so. Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you play it that way. Your affection for your wife is not proportional to the size of the ring. Don't get caught up in the hype.
True. If I ever went to upgrade the stone for my girl, it would be based solely on clarity, cut, or color.
__________________
'11 BMW E92 ///M3 - ZCP and DCT
'15 Ford F-250 - Lariat, 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo-diesel
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2013, 11:32 AM   #128
Laguna Seca Blue
Major
Laguna Seca Blue's Avatar
United_States
348
Rep
1,114
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 MT | 958.1 Cayenne GTS
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rotorocious
Well damn. Good catch. I was wondering how they were with returns. Everything I read about them said it was a pain.

Is there another online diamond search you recommend?
James Allen is another I've heard of.
James Allen is very good from what I've heard, but without question, Platinum Heart is the best .

Our diamond e-store is still in its beta testing phase (www.ptheart.com/pth3), but if you PM me with what you're looking for, I can send you some options via email. We custom make all of our rings from scratch, so that the base and prongs perfectly match the diamond you choose. All other online diamond retailers that I know of use ready made settings that they modify, which often causes light refraction issues.
__________________
E92 335i 6MT | Balloon White | Black Dakota Leather - Sold
PROcede Rev3 V5 | AE Quad Exhaust | BMW Performance Short Shift Kit | Gunmetal 19" M3 GTS Wheels | BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 | AST 4100 Coilovers | Swift Springs F:280 R:560 | ER Charge Pipe | Tial Blue BOV | VRSF 3" Downpipes | VRSF 7" Intercooler

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=782212
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2013, 12:17 PM   #129
acdHQK713K
Major
acdHQK713K's Avatar
United_States
236
Rep
1,473
Posts

Drives: Car
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: USA

iTrader: (9)

In general I think whiteflash.com is a better deal than bluenile. Plus they have actual pictures of their ACA diamonds.
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2013, 01:45 PM   #130
Endless619
DHS
Endless619's Avatar
United_States
277
Rep
4,064
Posts

Drives: 2023 M4, 2020 Land Rover
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Disneyland

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bringsmewomen View Post
How much do you think you should spend on an engagement ring? I heard the old 3 months salary is out of date now and no one practical should be spending that much. What are your guys thoughts?
Its society that makes folks think they should have to spend a lot of money on a woman. Not true.

Spend what you can. Do not go overboard. If the ring is $100 thats perfectly acceptable regardless of what your friends think. If its $100,000 then so be it.

Do what you feel, think, and can afford.
__________________
2020 Land Rover Velar Autobiography
2023 BMW M4
2016 X3
Appreciate 0
      10-23-2013, 08:05 PM   #131
Laguna Seca Blue
Major
Laguna Seca Blue's Avatar
United_States
348
Rep
1,114
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 MT | 958.1 Cayenne GTS
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stangorang View Post
In general I think whiteflash.com is a better deal than bluenile. Plus they have actual pictures of their ACA diamonds.
Yes, this is correct. James Allen, Whiteflash and many other online retailers are much better than Blue Nile.

I would suggest going to pricescope.com to learn as much as possible before you buy. And remember, you have a fellow BMW enthusiast who happens to be in the diamond business as well
__________________
E92 335i 6MT | Balloon White | Black Dakota Leather - Sold
PROcede Rev3 V5 | AE Quad Exhaust | BMW Performance Short Shift Kit | Gunmetal 19" M3 GTS Wheels | BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 | AST 4100 Coilovers | Swift Springs F:280 R:560 | ER Charge Pipe | Tial Blue BOV | VRSF 3" Downpipes | VRSF 7" Intercooler

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=782212
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:26 AM.




g60
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST