Need Help Picking Diamond

[jdj]

Hey All,

I've been reading around and lurking here for months now and really struggling with getting comfortable enough with pulling the trigger on buying a diamond. I'm leaving on a trip soon where I was hoping to propose and now I'm quickly running out of time. I have the ring picked out, just struggling with picking out the right diamond. I'm really hoping someone could help me in finding a great diamond.

My budget is around 8-10k. I was hoping to be in the VS1-2 range, G-H color and around 1ct. I find myself going towards H&A because of my lack of knowledge with picking out a good diamond (makes me feel more comfortable?). The ring is a solitaire-ish with a few smaller diamonds going down the side. I wanted something to really show off a nice diamond. Now, I just need the nice diamond

It seems the places which get the most recommendations here are JA, GOG and WF, so that's where I've been looking. My problem is once I'm there, I struggle with knowing how to pick the best one in my range. I look at Asset and the various different images, but frankly I don't know how to evaluate those.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot for the site, even without picking a diamond yet I've learned a ton.

 

[RockyRacoon]

With your budget, you can get well above 1ct with G/H color and eye-clean clarity.

Here are some great options, all with verified top-notch cuts, from well-respected vendors that provide you with all the data you need to make an informed decision:

1.07ct, G, VS2 - August Vintage Round
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-07ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-round-diamond.html

1.114ct, G, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

1.13ct, H, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-13ct-h-vs2-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html

1.132ct, H, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.132-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076722015

1.136ct, G, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236289.htm

1.194ct, F, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.194-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-104077631003

1.2ct, H, SI1
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/clarity/HPD6971/

 

[pfunk]

Here are some recommendations for you.

If you want to maximize color and size within your budget, here is a nice one from whiteflash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm -1.11c, G color, H&A, VS2, $9,405

If you step out of the superideal realm and into that of ideal cut, here is an alternative:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R107-DW43MX - 1.07c, G color, good H&A but not perfect, VS2, $6850

If you go down to H color and stick to superideal, here is an option that is priced well for a superideal. Priced similar to stones of equal size and color but of vs2 clarity.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3372497.htm - 1.021c, H color, H&A, VS1, $7718

And again, a larger option of a non super ideal similar price.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R120-HHP2CX - 1.2c, H color, good H&A but not perfect, VS2, $6900

 

[jdj]

Thanks a lot for the help Rocky and pfunk.

Would you lean towards any one of these 3?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.132-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076722015

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-04ct-h-vs1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html

You both mentioned:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

The spots in the Hearts image had been scaring me off. Should I not be worried about that much detail?

Thanks again! You guys are awesome.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks a lot for the help Rocky and pfunk.

Would you lean towards any one of these 3?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.132-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076722015

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-04ct-h-vs1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html

You both mentioned:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

The spots in the Hearts image had been scaring me off. Should I not be worried about that much detail?

Thanks again! You guys are awesome.

I would go with the vendor that has the setting that you prefer. If you've seen GIA/AGS stones graded G/H side-by-side, you will be better able to say how important a factor that is to you and/or the recipient.

No issue with the Hearts image on that stone. Prior to purchase, I would speak with the vendor to be sure you have all of your concerns addressed, just to be sure you are confident in your purchase.

Any of those will be a winner!

 

[pfunk]

All are going to be really pretty stones. Just gotta weigh what you prefer most between color and clarity along with cost. If GIA graded as vs1 or vs2 they will be eye clean. You won't see inclusions without a loupe or microscope. The marks in the hearts images wouldn't concern me. They are highly magnified and the inclusions can get reflected around in the stone making it lool like they are everywhere when really it is reflection.

I am not one of the folks here that goes for the superideals, but you will surely find any one of those superideal stones to be lovely. I personally choose to go up in size or just save the money to be spent elsewhere, but the decision is up to you. There is certainly peace of mind that comes with getting a branded, superideal stone. So if that is what appeals to you, whiteflash, good old gold, HPD, or Brian Gavin will all take good care of you.