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ť 1.15 to 1.25 Diamond - How do I choose?

1.15 to 1.25 Diamond - How do I choose?

P: 7/12/2006 10:47:14 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	I need to stop looking at this site - it is very addicting...... I keep second guessing everything I look at. I keep wondering if I am looking at diamonds that are too "high" in quality and giving up size (something she wants) and paying for better quality. I orignally was looking at VS2 - G/H color in the 1.10 size. I've since moved to looking at VS2/SI1 F/G colors that are Hearts and Arrows Diamonds. My budget is about $6500 and want the best possible diamond that I can get for that..... Should size be that important to me? I realize there really isn't much difference in a 1.1 to a 1.25 carat diamond - but its kind of the principle. I've looked at several Whiteflash diamonds and several AGS000 diamonds from several different sites. Do I necessarily need this level of a diamond? I don't plan on every reselling the diamond - so resale means little to me (although "mind clean" is worth a lot). The last diamond that was recommended to me was this one: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2318229.htm Although - its not a H&A diamond - which I kind of liked, it is eyeclean. James Allen also had several SI1 diamonds that look okay - but I'm not sure that they are eye clean. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=890324 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=896283 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=860652 Should I give up some polish/symmetry to get more size, color, or clarity? I'm completely lost and definitely over anaylzing everything - any help or guidance is greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get the perfect diamond for the best price!
Posted: 7/12/2006 10:47:14 PM

There are 22 replies to this message. There are 22 replies on this page.

P: 7/12/2006 11:26:33 PM
diamondseeker2006 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 17,609 Last Post: 11/18/2009 Member Since: 1/11/2006	Yes, I'd stick with AGS0 or GIA Excellent cut (including polish and symmetry). I'd go to an H VS2 or SI1 to get the size up a little. ~~~ When in doubt...don't.~~~
Posted: 7/12/2006 11:26:33 PM

P: 7/12/2006 11:29:25 PM
mrssalvo Ideal Rock Total Posts: 16,856 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 1/3/2005	Date: 7/12/2006 11:26:33 PM Author: diamondseeker2006 Yes, I'd stick with AGS0 or GIA Excellent cut (including polish and symmetry). I'd go to an H VS2 or SI1 to get the size up a little. me too. ----------------------------- A deal is only a deal if you are getting exactly what you want.
Posted: 7/12/2006 11:29:25 PM

P: 7/13/2006 7:56:00 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	I agree with the ladies. Color and clarity can be dropped a bit, everything else should not be. Going with an excellent cut stone will more than make up for the little bit of size you might lose. I understand she wants size, but you want the stone to do something wonderful when she looks at it. And that's the cut. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 7/13/2006 7:56:00 AM

P: 7/13/2006 8:08:10 AM
Lorelei Ideal Rock Total Posts: 34,227 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 4/30/2005	Date: 7/12/2006 11:29:25 PM Author: mrssalvo Date: 7/12/2006 11:26:33 PM Author: diamondseeker2006 Yes, I'd stick with AGS0 or GIA Excellent cut (including polish and symmetry). I'd go to an H VS2 or SI1 to get the size up a little. me too. Me three! Nothing is more sacred as the bond between horse and rider...no other creature can ever become so emotionally close to a human as a horse. When a horse dies, the memory lives on because an enormous part of his owner's heart, soul, very existence dies also...but that can never be laid to rest, it is not meant to be... - Stephanie M Thorn
Posted: 7/13/2006 8:08:10 AM

P: 7/13/2006 8:56:37 AM
jazmine Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,013 Last Post: 11/17/2009 Member Since: 7/12/2005	I agree with everyone else. I would look even at I for color and definetly SIs. When dealing with reputable vendors like JA and WF, they will tell you truthfully if the diamond is eye clean or not so I wouldn't worry about that. For sure, stay with the greatest cut you can find. It has nothing to do with resale. Cut will make the diamond sparkle like crazy and consequently look bigger and whiter. It also hides inclusions. A great cut helps you out with the other 3 Cs.
Posted: 7/13/2006 8:56:37 AM

P: 7/13/2006 8:58:53 AM
MissGotRocks Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,590 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 6/23/2005	My other suggestion to you would be to choose a vendor or two and give them a call. Tell them what you were looking to accomplish in terms of size, color and clarity. Let them pull a few stones and look at them for you. In speaking with them, you will probably be able to narrow down your parameters even further. It is indeed overwhelming to look up numbers and try to decide by paper alone. Let them help too - they are happy to do so. Good luck - I know you will come up with a stellar stone!
Posted: 7/13/2006 8:58:53 AM

P: 7/13/2006 2:56:44 PM
BlackIce Rough Rock Total Posts: 41 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 1/29/2005	Personally, I think if the lady wants size, find out what is the size she can't do without, and then juggle the other 3 C's to get the stone within your maximum 5th C (cost). I don't think you have to have an AGS 0 or GIA Ex to have an amazing stone. Stones with VG cuts can be almost as (if not just as) amazing as "Ideal" cuts, and there's a significant premium charged for the "Ideal" label. And I think it's pointless to pay for clarity you can't discern with the naked eye (anything above a legitimate SI1). My wife and I discussed her diamond needs at length before I made a purchase, and it helped me get the perfect stone for her. It's not an "Ideal" cut, but I am yet to see a stone that outshines it, and there hasn't been a day in the year and a half that she's had it that we've regretted my purchase. It's the "Ideal" size, cut, color and clarity for her, and she was ecstatic about the price I paid (especially when it appraised for $4000 more). In the end, you have to make the lady happy, and if size is what she wants, then give her size. She'll be the one wearing it every day.
Posted: 7/13/2006 2:56:44 PM

P: 7/13/2006 2:57:55 PM
BlackIce Rough Rock Total Posts: 41 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 1/29/2005	PS - Sometimes this site can make it more complicated, but there is also a wealth of advice and knowledge here not to be ignored.
Posted: 7/13/2006 2:57:55 PM

P: 7/17/2006 9:04:28 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	Thanks everyone for your help. I have another question. I am considering two very different diamonds right now. I keep going back and forth on what I want. I believe both are eye clean - but this is coming from the vendor. JA does not have these in house. One is almost .25c larger, but the cut is not as good. After researching so much online over the past couple of months - I know cut is the most important and it has been something I've put a lot of emphasis on. Although the bigger diamond's cut isn't bad, its not an Excellent cut. My goal was to find the biggest diamond possible under $6500. But, I'd be willing to put a little towards a BIGGER diamond that still looked great. I'm a little concerned on the color too. Any thoughts? Both have good HCA scores. Will I be sacrificing a lot of quality by going to the bigger diamond. The 1.1c diamond - G Color Ideal Cut http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=866253 The 1.34c diamond - H Color Premium Cut http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=858453
Posted: 7/17/2006 9:04:28 PM

P: 7/17/2006 9:29:18 PM
Cehrabehra Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,597 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 6/29/2006	Date: 7/12/2006 10:47:14 PM Author:notquitesure I need to stop looking at this site - it is very addicting...... I keep second guessing everything I look at. I keep wondering if I am looking at diamonds that are too 'high' in quality and giving up size (something she wants) and paying for better quality. I orignally was looking at VS2 - G/H color in the 1.10 size. I've since moved to looking at VS2/SI1 F/G colors that are Hearts and Arrows Diamonds. My budget is about $6500 and want the best possible diamond that I can get for that..... Should size be that important to me? I realize there really isn't much difference in a 1.1 to a 1.25 carat diamond - but its kind of the principle. I've looked at several Whiteflash diamonds and several AGS000 diamonds from several different sites. Do I necessarily need this level of a diamond? I don't plan on every reselling the diamond - so resale means little to me (although 'mind clean' is worth a lot). The last diamond that was recommended to me was this one: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2318229.htm Although - its not a H&A diamond - which I kind of liked, it is eyeclean. James Allen also had several SI1 diamonds that look okay - but I'm not sure that they are eye clean. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=890324 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=896283 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=860652 Should I give up some polish/symmetry to get more size, color, or clarity? I'm completely lost and definitely over anaylzing everything - any help or guidance is greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get the perfect diamond for the best price! Me, personally? I would definitely not give up on polish and symmetry for any of those, so long as it is eyeclean. I'd go back down to a g/h though, if the cut is good, you're going to be really happy with that, or at least I would! lol Think of the four biggies and the order they're important to you... for me they are cut, clarity, carat, color. You might have a different priority list... but to me part of the cut is the sym/pol and that's still #1 priority. Figure out the order those are important to you, and it'll make your job easier I think :) ETA: Sounds to me like your priority list might be cut, color, carat, clarity? Or maybe cut, carat, color, clarity? Whatever it is, once you've figured out your priority list, you can focus on one over the others... I, personally, wouldn't lower cut from #1 for numerous reasons, but that doesn't mean you need to have a H&A cut to find the right stone. Sara The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. ~ Albert Einstein ~
Posted: 7/17/2006 9:29:18 PM

P: 7/17/2006 10:17:21 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	So would a very good symmetry/polish make a big difference when compared to an excellent?
Posted: 7/17/2006 10:17:21 PM

P: 7/17/2006 11:11:36 PM
Cehrabehra Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,597 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 6/29/2006	Date: 7/17/2006 10:17:21 PM Author: notquitesure So would a very good symmetry/polish make a big difference when compared to an excellent? very good would be the lowest I'd go... I'd prefer ideal, but excellent would be great too. This is based on what I have read, and I've read a ton both here and on internet searches LOL Do a search on polish here on PS and see what you think :) Sara The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. ~ Albert Einstein ~
Posted: 7/17/2006 11:11:36 PM

P: 7/18/2006 4:17:04 AM
Lorelei Ideal Rock Total Posts: 34,227 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 4/30/2005	Actually the proportions of the 1.34 are not too bad, apart from the larger table, but it isn't unreasonable, but not Ideal as you know. The crown and pavillion angles are good, the depth just a tid shallow and the table large, but you could still have a pretty and sparkly diamond which is quite brilliant due to the larger table. Regarding polish and symmetry, those who want the absolute best cut they can get will insist on ex ex or ID ID, however it is said that good and above with polish and sym will look the same to the untrained eye. This might be a matter of debate and preference though....Also a G or H will still face up very white, no worries there. If you want extra size for the money and aren't too concerned about having a top cut but a nice 'make' diamond to get the size, then the 1.34 might be worth considering IMO. Not everyone wants a super duper cut, but just a pretty diamond. Ask Jim if your selections are eyeclean, he will be honest with you. Nothing is more sacred as the bond between horse and rider...no other creature can ever become so emotionally close to a human as a horse. When a horse dies, the memory lives on because an enormous part of his owner's heart, soul, very existence dies also...but that can never be laid to rest, it is not meant to be... - Stephanie M Thorn
Posted: 7/18/2006 4:17:04 AM

P: 7/18/2006 7:16:19 AM
JulieN Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,145 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 7/25/2005	Just throw this in, too. Ask JA if it's eye clean (inclusion under the table) and if it's nicer than the 1.34. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=896834
Posted: 7/18/2006 7:16:19 AM

P: 7/18/2006 7:18:55 AM
Lorelei Ideal Rock Total Posts: 34,227 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 4/30/2005	Good find Julie Nothing is more sacred as the bond between horse and rider...no other creature can ever become so emotionally close to a human as a horse. When a horse dies, the memory lives on because an enormous part of his owner's heart, soul, very existence dies also...but that can never be laid to rest, it is not meant to be... - Stephanie M Thorn
Posted: 7/18/2006 7:18:55 AM

P: 7/18/2006 9:20:47 AM
phoenixgirl Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,495 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 3/20/2003	That "premium cut" H gets a 1.1 on the HCA, all excellent.
Posted: 7/18/2006 9:20:47 AM

P: 7/18/2006 10:35:38 AM
jojofrankie Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/18/2006 Member Since: 7/18/2006	Shop around. Whiteflash is a great place to buy, but if you want most bang for your buck, call Martin Sheffield at 1-800-252-1476 and visit him on the web at www.usacerteddiamonds.com. I've purchased two stones through him, and both have been much cheaper than I found elsewhere. Hope this helps.
Posted: 7/18/2006 10:35:38 AM

P: 7/18/2006 10:37:43 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	This looks like a good diamond, but would you be concerned over the "H" color? Compared to an "F" or "G" will this look much yellower?
Posted: 7/18/2006 10:37:43 PM

P: 7/19/2006 12:31:22 AM
*DeeJay** Ideal Rock Total Posts: 6,491 Last Post: 9/23/2009 Member Since: 3/26/2006	I just got a large H round and next to the stones in my eternity band (all F and G much smaller sones) I can't tell a difference at all. Go for the H!
Posted: 7/19/2006 12:31:22 AM

P: 7/24/2006 7:14:08 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	Thank you everyone for all of your help. After much debate and consideration of several different options - here is what I put on hold. Any last minute comments? The price was virtually the same. http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2318215.htm It was between this and a 1.3 caret H SI1 - that was very nice, but maybe not quite the cut of the above diamond. The table dimensions are virtually the same, so the caret difference was not that big of a deal to me. Did I make the right decision? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?find=1&cid=130&item=896834
Posted: 7/24/2006 7:14:08 PM

P: 7/24/2006 8:31:47 PM
diamondseeker2006 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 17,609 Last Post: 11/18/2009 Member Since: 1/11/2006	Excellent choice!!! Congratulations!!! ~~~ When in doubt...don't.~~~
Posted: 7/24/2006 8:31:47 PM

P: 7/24/2006 8:55:03 PM
notquitesure Rough Rock Total Posts: 6 Last Post: 7/24/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2006	Thanks. I'm excited for its arrival! I think I'll be happy. I'm getting it set in Whiteflash's eternity setting (3/4) - hopefully it will look nice.
Posted: 7/24/2006 8:55:03 PM

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