another diamond, another budget

[brightnyc]

Hi there,

I was browsing some of the earlier posts and was impressed by how knowledgeable
people here are. So I thought I''d ask -

What would you do with a budget of about $18,000 for the setting and diamond?
What would you change if spending slightly less (or more)?

One example we saw so far had a 1.53 ct, G, VS2, ideal, Kwiat, GIA.
Another thing we were considering was a smaller, more perfect diamond -
for example I see Dirt Cheap Diamonds, who were mentioned by someone here,
have a 1.00 ct, D, IF, ideal, GIA for $14318. What do you think is the best
balance of features at this price? What should I watch out for? Also, I am
in NYC -- any recommendations for where to buy/browse?

thanks for your help!

 

[Regular Guy]

Bright,

Welcome to Pricescope.

It's frequently thought to not go so high on color and clarity (as that one carat option -- however -- if that's the size your girl wants, then it's unique qualities will make that a very special option), because the highest qualities for those C's are not noticed...but...to focus on a well cut diamond is always recommended here. For more detail on that generally, see the tutorial above, under "knowledge."

Focusing on a) well cut options, maybe b) F or G, c) VS2 or SI1, and maybe even d) options at a quality jeweler near you, something like this one looks like it's worth a close look, after a narrow and then broad search. They'll be able to fix you up with a nice setting for it, as well.

Regards,