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 » RockyTalky
»  » need one carat diamond advice
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need one carat diamond advice |
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| P: 7/23/2008 10:28:15 PM | |
adrib Rough Rock Total Posts: 5 Last Post: 7/25/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
Hi! I've been reading posts for a couple of days, and it seems like everyone here knows a lot! I've been married for three years and have had a ring with a very small stone (.25 carat). We want to upgrade, but we don't have a lot. We can spend around $3000 for both the diamond and the ring. I've seen some stones that are around a carat for around $2000(like this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1137091.asp), but I don't understand some stuff, like what the cm measurements mean. Also, what's the lowest one can go on color before it's obviously not white? Is it preferable to have a stone that's inferior in color, or one that's inferior in clarity? I think I have my heart set on an Asscher cut, but I wouldn't mind something else if there's a shape that would look a lot bigger for the same weight. Things that are important are: price (under $3000), weight (around a carat). So many questions and so little money! Please tell us what to do!
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| Posted: 7/23/2008 10:28:15 PM | |
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There are 17 replies to this message. There are 17 replies on this page. |
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| P: 7/23/2008 11:02:40 PM | |
susiegrneyes Rough Rock Total Posts: 68 Last Post: 9/7/2009 Member Since: 1/4/2008 |
Hi there, The measurements listed are the width * length* depth of the stone in millimeters. As for how long you can go in color before you see the yellow tinge varies by the person. Personally I can't see any yellow above I color. For savings purposes many people on this board advocate for going for SI1 clarity if the vendor can verify for you that it is eye-clean (or on James Allen you can see it for your self) I think the best approach is to go to a local store ask to see stones of various clarity and colors that way you can see what looks best to you. I'm sure you've heard this plenty of times on here before, but cut is king. Even a D IF diamond won't look good if it's poorly cut. I hope this helps.
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| Posted: 7/23/2008 11:02:40 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 1:05:30 AM | |
NanaK321 Rough Rock Total Posts: 19 Last Post: 7/24/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
Date: 7/23/2008 10:28:15 PM Author:adrib Hi! I've been reading posts for a couple of days, and it seems like everyone here knows a lot! I've been married for three years and have had a ring with a very small stone (.25 carat). We want to upgrade, but we don't have a lot. We can spend around $3000 for both the diamond and the ring. I've seen some stones that are around a carat for around $2000(like this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1137091.asp), but I don't understand some stuff, like what the cm measurements mean. Also, what's the lowest one can go on color before it's obviously not white? Is it preferable to have a stone that's inferior in color, or one that's inferior in clarity? I think I have my heart set on an Asscher cut, but I wouldn't mind something else if there's a shape that would look a lot bigger for the same weight. Things that are important are: price (under $3000), weight (around a carat). So many questions and so little money! Please tell us what to do! Hello! Wow! I'm really impressed that you found such a great stone at such an amazing price! The proportions on your stone are good, you're going to have a pretty square Asscher stone. =) I believe that J is the lowest color you can go while remaining in the "near colorless" range. So you did a good job there. Since you really like the Asscher shape, I'd suggest that you choose clarity over color because the Asscher cut has fewer facets than the brilliant stones, therefore flaws are easier to spot. (here's a tip: if you choose a yellowish stone with medium to strong blue fluorescence, it appears whiter to the eye!) VS2 is really good clarity so, well done there too! I have a VS2 clarity Asscher stone and I can't see the inclusions in it. You can probably purchase a nice setting online at a good price. Prices usually start at about $250 depending on how simple or intricate of a setting you desire. You can probably get the stone set into the mounting by a skilled, local jeweler for under $80. Our jeweler did a great job for only $40! Some upscale places charge around $150 per carat. Total ripoff so beware! Let me know if you have any other questions. I'd be happy to help. 
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 1:05:30 AM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 10:30:02 AM | |
SYC Cut Rock Total Posts: 204 Last Post: 7/3/2009 Member Since: 2/6/2008 |
Date: 7/23/2008 10:28:15 PM Author:adrib Hi! I've been reading posts for a couple of days, and it seems like everyone here knows a lot! I've been married for three years and have had a ring with a very small stone (.25 carat). We want to upgrade, but we don't have a lot. We can spend around $3000 for both the diamond and the ring. I've seen some stones that are around a carat for around $2000(like this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1137091.asp), but I don't understand some stuff, like what the cm measurements mean. Also, what's the lowest one can go on color before it's obviously not white? Is it preferable to have a stone that's inferior in color, or one that's inferior in clarity? I think I have my heart set on an Asscher cut, but I wouldn't mind something else if there's a shape that would look a lot bigger for the same weight. Things that are important are: price (under $3000), weight (around a carat). So many questions and so little money! Please tell us what to do! Hi Adrib, it sounds like you found a very promising stone at James Allen! One question though...... are you really sure you want an Asscher?? I think they are beautiful, and love them, BUT they face up significantly smaller than other shapes -- eg, a round brilliant or an oval diamond. So I would just recommend going to a store to look at as many different shapes/sizes of diamonds as possible. Personally, when I saw a 1 carat Asscher in a store, it looked more like a .75-.80 carat diamond to me... I do love the look, but so much of the carat weight goes towards creating those mesmerizing depths that you have to sacrifice some of the surface area... also remember that Asschers do show a little more color/clarity than other cuts. Regarding color, I personally have noticed that, in a store that sells not-so-well-cut diamonds, I can easily tell the difference between D-F diamonds and I-J color stones. However, in a really well cut round brilliant (such as those offered by PS vendors), you should definitely be able to drop to an I-J color, SI1-2, and have a gorgeous stone. On top of that, if you look for a diamond just under 1 ct, you should be able to avoid paying the premium associated with a 1 carat stone and have the same look. This may be the most carat-size and budget-friendly option. But all that said, it really depends on your preferences. If you consider all your options and still have your heart set on an Asscher, I think you shoudl go for it!
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 10:30:02 AM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 10:33:31 AM | |
Lorelei Ideal Rock Total Posts: 34,212 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/30/2005 |
Welcome! I wanted to point out, if the diamond looking as large as possible matters to you, then maybe an asscher wouldn't be the best choice, they may look small for their weight. If you want a diamond that looks as large as possible, then a well cut round, oval, marquise or pear might be worth considering. Colour sensitivity varies so much, depends also on the viewer, lab which graded the diamond, cut quality, shape and size of the stone, so it is worth trying to view some diamonds in person, so you can see where your preferences lie. With step cuts like asschers and emerald cuts, higher clarity may be required as these shapes can show inclusions more readily, with the other shapes suggested above, sometimes you can drop to an SI clarity which if verified eyeclean, can get you more size for the budget.  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: 7/24/2008 10:33:31 AM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 2:23:15 PM | |
Kelli Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,570 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 5/27/2008 |
Just wanted to agree with everyone so far that asschers-- although stunningly beautiful-- don't face up as large as other cuts, nor will they hide inclusions or color as well as a round brilliant. If you want size and want to sacrifice color and clarity, a really well cut round would be the best way to go. Lots of people drop to I or J, some as low as K (and they are gorgeous!!!) and SI1 or 2 as long as it's eye clean. It'll save you tons of money to spend on SIZE and will look totally beautiful! But if you have your heart completely set on an asscher, I'm sure you can find a stunning one as well. The one you posted looks great! You should go to a high end jewelry store to try some stuff on in different shapes and sizes to see what you like, then see what you can find within your budget online. Have fun shopping, I think that's almost as fun as actually having the ring!
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 2:23:15 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 2:44:35 PM | |
KCCutie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 598 Last Post: 6/5/2009 Member Since: 2/22/2008 |
I agree asschers don't face up the same as a RB but they are totally different. If you are in love with the step cuts like I am a RB just won't do it for you. I looked at RB and Princess and all the other shapes and was pretty much meh....so I know I'm a step cut girl. To me the more square EC seem to be bigger for their weight than asschers so maybe you should look into that too. Also I wouldn't go lower than VS2 unless it is confirmed eyeclean and I'd stay at H or higher for color unless you have seen some in person at lower colors and like them. The picture of the one you posted looks very white though. I'm a little worried that it's a bit deep. Most people say for asschers to stay in this range: Table: 58-63 up to 65 is okay Depth: 60-70 but around 68 seems to be a sweet spot crown height: 10%+ and 15%+ is even better
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 2:44:35 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 4:01:56 PM | |
glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
Another budget trick is to look for a really well-cut I1, though this would work better with a round than an Asscher. The sparkle of a round can overwhelm the inclusions, making them hard to see. I would be tempted to consider this stone, one of Paul Sleger's Infinity diamonds:
http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/index.php?pid=63&lang=eng&sid%5B%5D=198&src=loupe
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 4:01:56 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 7:23:43 PM | |
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adrib Rough Rock Total Posts: 5 Last Post: 7/25/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
you guys are all so smart! i didn't realize Asschers looked small for their weight. I don't know. Maybe we can save my dream shape for when we can afford something bigger. I'll have to look at the suggested shapes listed. I'll come back for more advice as I find more stones! Thank you so much!
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 7:23:43 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 7:28:27 PM | |
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adrib Rough Rock Total Posts: 5 Last Post: 7/25/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
glitterata, i couldn't get the link to work, and i'm not familiar with the infinity diamond website. was there a reference number for that diamond? thank you for posting!
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 7:28:27 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 7:45:00 PM | |
blackpolkadot Cut Rock Total Posts: 411 Last Post: 9/16/2009 Member Since: 6/4/2008 |
I just recently (and finally) found my asscher from JA (with the same budget). The one you show, though is what seems like a deal, is deep and has a very large table. Step cuts also show color more easily than RBs, so you might was to stick to H and higher, but VS2 clarity should be fine. Also, asschers are hard to judge from just numbers, you really need an IS image or ASET image. A Sarin Report is also helpful (you can just email JA and ask for them). Asschers do face up small, but if that is what you love, go for it! You can always upgrade later.
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 7:45:00 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 7:56:23 PM | |
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adrib Rough Rock Total Posts: 5 Last Post: 7/25/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
i think someone mentioned that with a round diamond, an I1 with a really good cut can be so sparkly that it makes the inclusions harder to see. What does everyone else think? I found four on JA in our price range, all ideal cuts, I1s. which one seems best? http://www.jamesallen.com/search_results.asp?cid=131&sbmt=1&virtual=Home+Page+Diamond+Search&shape=Round
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 7:56:23 PM | |
| P: 7/24/2008 11:50:30 PM | |
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glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
Sorry about that broken link to the I1 infinity diamond. I can't get it to work, but it was a stone at Winfield's:
http://www.winkjones.com/specials/diamonds.php
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| Posted: 7/24/2008 11:50:30 PM | |
| P: 7/25/2008 12:24:47 AM | |
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glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
By the way, you have to be careful if you're thinking about an I1. Look at the photos of these two diamonds, which are pretty much identical in carat and color and clarity grade:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1180734.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1168341.asp
Notice the difference in the price? See why one costs so much more than the other?
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| Posted: 7/25/2008 12:24:47 AM | |
| P: 7/25/2008 12:45:21 AM | |
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glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
I would take a look at this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1127973.asp
It gets a score of 2 on the HCA, which is quite good (though not the very best possible score); the photo looks as if it might be eye-clean or close to eye-clean; H won't look yellow, but you're not paying for more whiteness than you can see; and at .95 ct it will look just like a one-carat diamond without you having to pay a for a one-carat diamond. So if it's clean enough to satisfy you, you get the looks of a white, one-carat diamond for about $2400.
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| Posted: 7/25/2008 12:45:21 AM | |
| P: 7/25/2008 10:07:30 AM | |
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adrib Rough Rock Total Posts: 5 Last Post: 7/25/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2008 |
wow! all the I1's i'd looked at had big, black spots on them! this one looks really pretty, glitterata! I'm gonna show it to my husband tonight. i'd never thought about going a little below a carat; it makes a lot of sense now! thank you!
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| Posted: 7/25/2008 10:07:30 AM | |
| P: 7/25/2008 10:56:03 AM | |
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glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
You would probably need to look at it in person to see whether it's clean enough for you in real life. Those feathers might show up as opaque white streaks. But they might not, or you might not mind if they do. Anyway, I think it's worth a look, and James Allen has a generous return policy, so you can buy it and return it if you don't like it. (You woul have to pay for shipping, though, and make sure you return it during the return period.)
Another thing to think about: A stone with lots of little black spots might look cleaner from a distance than one with fewer, bigger inclusions.
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| Posted: 7/25/2008 10:56:03 AM | |
| P: 7/25/2008 11:01:59 AM | |
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SYC Cut Rock Total Posts: 204 Last Post: 7/3/2009 Member Since: 2/6/2008 |
sounds like Glitterata found you something that could be very, very nice -- just wanted to add that the sales reps at James Allen are good about pulling the actual stone and looking at it for you. Ask them if it's eye clean to their standards and what those standards are. It looks promising though!
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| Posted: 7/25/2008 11:01:59 AM | |
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