Actually, it is spelled loupe.

Also, don't skimp on color... it isn't the least important of the 4C's. NONE of them are the least important.... you want to get the highest of all categories that you can. Going below a G color will give you a yellow tint.

Also... are you sure she wants a diamond? Sapphires are quite popular as engagement rings again. In fact, the "diamond=engagement ring" is a fallacy put out by the diamond industry. For most of history, gemstones were used for engagements. Princess Diana's E-ring was a Sapphire. Some women like the idea of the gemstone to be different from all the other 1ct, brilliant cut diamond rings out there. You should probably know this in advance though so you don't get a pissed off girlfriend that has fallen under the spell of Debeers.

Try playing around on BlueNile.com. You can get idea of price with different combos of the cut/shape, clarity, color, carat.


tcho82: I used to work for Whitehall in Minnesota! Small world. I honestly wouldn't recommend them as a place to buy a diamond though. Maybe one of the higher end Marks Bro's stores, but not the run of the mill Whitehall/Lundstroms. You're going to pay more for less ring with them.

 

I also do not recommend buying from them. UNLESS its a certified diamond from GIA, and they get competitive on the price.

I worked in their Downtown Chicago Corporate office.

I was a quality control manager there. So I used to oversee all product coming into the office for all Whitehall/Marks Bros. Stores.

But like I said. Only the certified stuff was good. The rest is frozen spit. As we say....

 

Find out what cut she likes, go for a nice color rating and the clarity. Size depends on the girl. Most girls like at least a carat, but other's are fine with a higher quality smaller one. Good luck.

I don't understand women's obsession with diamonds, but then again my wife doesn't understand my obsession with cars.

 

tcho82 knows diamonds, you may want to go to some reputable stores in South Coast Plaza to check out the prices for various sizes, colors ... Then go to Vietnamese mall on Bolsa, between Brookhurst and Magnolia, there are almost hundred jewely stores and their prices are very competitive. I just bought my wife a pair of diamond stones at one store at a very good price. You need to ask for only diamonds with GIA certified only.

 

Check out BlueNile.com

 

My aunt and uncle are jewelers, so I have been heavily lectured about this....

First, an opinion. While some women may initially be wowed by a big rock, quality will definitely be an issue. DON'T sacrifice quality to get a big chunk of ice. I would actually recommend the opposite.

Most important is color. Color can make up for some lack of clarity. In contrast a yellowish flawless diamond will always look yellow. D or E grade color is excellent, nearly pure white.

The Clarity and Cut both affect the amount of light reflected (the sparkle). While clarity is the most important of the two, the quality of the cut is often overlooked. Two things affect the quality, the angles of the cut and the symetry of the top and bottom facets (how well they line up when viewed from above).

Carat should then be a matter of budget. Set a price and target quality range. Shop around for the best deal and you'll end up with a diamond you'll both be happy with.

Finally, SIX PRONG SETTING !!! No family member was ever allowed to leave the store with less than a six prong setting. The stone is far more secure than in a four prong. With four, one loose prong is likely to result in a lost diamond. As an added bonus a slightly oversized six prong setting can make a diamond look a bit bigger, call it a jewelers optical illusion.

Best wishes.