need some guidance on diamonds please.

[dvs6]

i stumbled upon this site and found wonderful info that i never knew. I'm looking at a few sites for loose diamonds to put on an engagement ring. trying to keep under 20 preferably 15 or less and 1.5ct with G or better. since i really cant tell how to get the best for my buck. I'd like some help. Here are some diamonds i'm looking at but would love feedback on how to pick it or narrow down what to really look for. i've done the HCA tool, ags0, and and trying to understand the idealscope and hearts arrow pictures. Here are the links and thanks in advance.

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD01928871

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.318-g-vvs2-round-diamond-ags-104054185004#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/4/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3051871.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3208287.htm

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-54-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-3V9R55

Also she would prefer these style rings and any input on where to go to replicate them would be great as well

 

[OoohShiny]

Have a look at Danhov settings for something similar to that first one, although you would be paying extra for the 'label'.

Victor Canera can do custom work but you pay for his skills.

 

[dvs6]

thanks for the input. Danhov settings are quite a bit more than i thought.

 

[OoohShiny]

Ditto that comment!!

 

[dvs6]

OoohShiny - Do you have any thoughts on the diamonds though? I'm curious if I'm getting any good at understanding the HCA, AGS, and Idealscope info. Or I am missing the mark at all? Thanks

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-anita-halo-18k-white-gold-5950w18

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi OP, I think in general you are going in the right direction with your diamond search and looking at some good vendors too, the only thing I would comment on is that getting an IF or VVS stone would be an overkill. I would stick to VS1-2 as you will normally not see a thing with the naked eye and sometimes even in the VS range it can be hard to find inclusions for an untrained person with a loupe. I would ensure to maximize the quality of the cut and get as large a stone as you can get. G for color is fine too it depends on personal preference, I generally recommend going higher in color and lower in clarity but get the best cut for sure. There are some other recommended vendors here that have superbly cut diamonds. Perhaps others can help you extend your search and recommend some great options for the diamonds.

 

[dvs6]

Thanks Gypsy for the link.

thanks OVincze for the info. What other vendors would you recommend besides the ones I'm looking at?

 

[dvs6]

In order not to start a new topic. I'm on the hunt for earrings as well. either round or princess cut. Looking between 1 to 2 cttw. Do the same principles apply to earrings as to single loose stones or are they more lenient? What can or should I accept for quality when it comes to earring? Thanks again for any input or advice.

 

[dvs6]

Bump

 

[Gypsy]

Nope same standards.
I'd start a new thread for earrings though. It's a separate project, so you can have two threads for that.

 

[dvs6]

So I figured out that she prefers this setting. Can anyone recommend a course of action on getting one replicated? Debating between whiteflash or brian gavin for the diamond to go with it. so would it be possible to make it and still be less than 5K?

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[Gypsy]

OK I figured it out. It's a Cartier. Call Brilliantly Engaged (previously ERD).

They will be able to do that for you. Either their handforged bench or their CAD bench. Probably CAD bench.

They are going to have to alter it 20% so here's what I suggest you ask for in terms of changes. The original has a double row of pave wrapping around. I highly suggest you do only a single row of pave instead IF possible to do and still maintain the curve of the twisting loups (may not be possible). It will be more delicate and less expensive and as long as they follow the same pattern of loops exactly it will look awesome.

Also, you will want to share all these images with them.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm also going to suggest that if you want that setting. You seriously consider getting a center stone smaller than 1.5 carats. Around 1.3-1.4 carats with that setting is going to be big stone, but you avoid the 1.5 carat price hike. And it will give you money to put toward the setting. And you are going to need it.

If eyeclean (all the diamonds are on hand at BE/ERD, so just call them and they will pull them and let you know and get you an idealscope, which is what you need). These two are nice options:
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.41-carat-d-si1-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-7143.html
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.40-carat-f-si1-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-16495.html

If neither of these work for you, they can get you anything you want. But I think shooting for a great 1.4 carat eyeclean SI1 diamond with excellent light performance from ERD would be your best bet for balancing size/budget/quality.

That way with a 6k max ring budget you can get out the door at 17k-18k.

 

[dvs6]

I'm also going to suggest that if you want that setting. You seriously consider getting a center stone smaller than 1.5 carats. Around 1.3-1.4 carats with that setting is going to be big stone, but you avoid the 1.5 carat price hike. And it will give you money to put toward the setting. And you are going to need it.

If eyeclean (all the diamonds are on hand at BE/ERD, so just call them and they will pull them and let you know and get you an idealscope, which is what you need). These two are nice options:
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.41-carat-d-si1-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-7143.html
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.40-carat-f-si1-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-16495.html

If neither of these work for you, they can get you anything you want. But I think shooting for a great 1.4 carat eyeclean SI1 diamond with excellent light performance from ERD would be your best bet for balancing size/budget/quality.

That way with a 6k max ring budget you can get out the door at 17k-18k.

Thanks Gypsy for you help. If i follow your guidelines then I was considering these diamonds as well since these were some of what i was considering. any thoughts? I will ask them for the info for the ones you suggested as well. Thanks again.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.494-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104072303018#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186649.htm#

 

[dvs6]

After much searching, I've finally found a setting that she likes. Now to the diamond selection finally. My question is that I've been looking at CBI diamonds and was wondering if a J would be still be ok since its from them? or should I go with the DEF grades as I've been intending to do? Also tossing in the idea of a rose cut one since my gf is preferring something unique. Thanks again for your help and advice.