Spend the money!

[Ozgirl]

You have $15,000 to spend.


Specs are .....
- must sparkle like crazy.
- no higher than a G in colour (not colour sensitive but have 'mind' issue with 'yellow' stones so but don't want I-L - would rather go S-T than "cream").
- must be absolutely eye clean.
- would like 1.5 ct or above but not essential. 1.2ct is the minimum though.

Other than that, open to shape and everything else.


What would you buy?






Some further info.....


I'm helping a work collegue to find the perfect diamond for his proposal - he doesn't really know what he wants to get (apart from sparkly LOL), but I have convicted him that buying from B&M / Mall stores, especially in Perth(!) is a bad idea.

We have been to "play" at a couple of places and he really liked princess cuts because they were 'different' but after a couple of days reflection thought round would be better because it's 'traditional'.

His gf doesn't have much jewellery apart from sentimental family stuff, so he's struggling to know her actual taste for what she would want to wear as a lifetime stone.




So far what I've found that appeals to him....... (in no particular order)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493055.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2813921.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.274-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104059904023

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8366/

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/252ct-Light-Yellow-Old/22257186_K48CK8#!i=1778101524&k=vjnCgnR

Plus a princess cut 1.3ct H VS2 at a B&M store in Perth but when I looked up the GIA cert online it didn't exist!


As you can see its all over the place.


He did really like the concept of the "antique" stone at JBEG (and the size) but was a bit hesitant about the colour. Was much more open to the S-T than some J-K-L's I've shown him though.


sooooooo, what advice would you give him, and what stone would you recommend him to get (it obviously doesn't have to be one of the above).


Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I absolutely love the FLY from JBEG. Personally I would go with that stone, maybe set in a yellow gold cup to enhance its color. I think that stone is stunning and huge for the price point.

I also like the radiant from GOG. I am personally not a fan of princess cuts but he said he liked them cause they are different (actually not different or unique but that's a PS'er opinion) Anyway that radiant cut is actually different and unique, the faceting is very cool. It is a much more modern look than a round stone IMO

 

[GoldFish8]

If your friend likes the idea of an antique stone and is open for a yellow color - This stone from JBEG is light yellow and really quite pretty. He could have the setting made to enhance the yellow color of the diamond and it would be so stunning. Plus the size is HUGE!
http://jewelry.1stdibs.com/jewelry_item_detail.php?id=73745

Then there is this one that is an F (though it is an EGL so probably lower color) and it is more cushiony in shape. Would look pretty with a delicate halo. http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/164ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/24273206_jb6pgM#!i=1976208443&k=CKgqT8k

Good luck!

 

[Ozgirl]

Thank you all for your input.

Yes I Agree, the S-T would be my first choice, closely followed by the GOG POH. But I'm not the buyer.

I did ask about g/f's and family members but got told he doesn't want to "give the game away" so that's not an option unfortunately.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For a surprise engagement ring where the guy has no idea what she'd choose herself, I would always go with a round brilliant in the near colorless range (G-H for me). I would not even consider an S-T because that is SO dependent on personal taste. I would not want it for an e-ring. And some of the other shapes will go in and out of style over time. So round is the only safe one for a surprise, in my opinion.

 

[Ozgirl]

What are your thoughts on queen cut?

 

[Ozgirl]

For a surprise engagement ring where the guy has no idea what she'd choose herself, I would always go with a round brilliant in the near colorless range (G-H for me). I would not even consider an S-T because that is SO dependent on personal taste. I would not want it for an e-ring. And some of the other shapes will go in and out of style over time. So round is the only safe one for a surprise, in my opinion.

Hi DS,

On the basis of what you say and with the budget and specs above, do you have any stones you would recommend?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This is about the best one I see over 1.5 cts with a $15k budget. I would be afraid of SI1's in a situation where it would be tough to return the stone.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1541933.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131 ($15,366 pricescope/wire price)