First time buyer - Is this a good deal? GIA 1.9ctw/1.33ct center

[pakman912]

Thanks in advance for any input! Links to photos and GIA certificate (617341721):

https://d26dzxoao6i3hh.cloudfront.net/items/0L1p2L3E0L2m2o3s3S2E/IMG_0211.jpg

https://d26dzxoao6i3hh.cloudfront.net/items/0o0D3g1K3i1K3R1V2c0D/IMG_0214.jpeg

https://d26dzxoao6i3hh.cloudfront.net/items/0Z1y0l2J3O1N3w3w180E/s-l1600-4.jpg

https://d26dzxoao6i3hh.cloudfront.net/items/271w0u1C1K2u2M3U1W3V/IMG_0215.jpg

GIA graded center stone - round 1.33 ct, K in color, and VS2 in clarity. Excellent cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. Holloway cut advisor score of 2.6. Close up view of the diamond show no obvious inclusions, eye clean with good symmetry.

Mounted on 18k WG halo setting weighing 0.56 ct, G-I color, VS2 clarity.

From a reputable dealer based on reviews and recommendation from friend. Negotiated price is $5300. I have an additional $50 referral discount. Any thoughts on the value of this piece/is it worth buying? Thanks all!

 

[tkyasx78]

have you seen the ring in person? the K color means you will want to see it in different lighting as it will not look that white in most circumstances.
some people love the tint and others do not like it.
make sure the recipient wants a K color stone as some women prefer to have a colorless stone but of course it isnt everyones preference!

 

[pakman912]

This was my biggest concern as well. I saw the piece in person under jewelry store lighting and normal daylight. The stone is set deeply into the setting with minimal protrusion above the halo. Therefore, looking directly at the top, the stone has a barely detectable tint, comparable to another (I) color diamond of similar weight. The halo covers most of the side profile of the diamond, which, from what I understand, is typically where the yellow shows through the most.

I also don't mind going up to J or I color as I have some more room in the budget. But looking at diamondscreener.com and JA for price references, the price of color I/J is 6 - 7.5k for just the stone itself (with same weight, VS2, and excellent cut), and roughly 9k total price after including a halo setting.

My impression is that $5250 is a decent price for the diamond w/ setting. Just curious to see if you think it's worth 3-4k more to go up a color or two over this piece without sacrificing any other Cs. Also, is there anything else I should be scrutinizing about this piece aside from the color?

 

[Snowdrop13]

Is this for you, or someone else?

I've just had a quick look (on Whiteflash) and it looks like a K VS2 GIA XXX in that size is around $5300,

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3780726.htm

So you are essentially getting the setting for free here. However, it is not a perfectly cut stone (bit deep). If you wanted to go for the same parameters in a perfect cut it would cost you about $1400 more, plus the setting,

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3273929.htm

This one's on James Allen- scores 1.0 on the HCA and has strong blue fluorescence (although you'd need to check if it's eye clean). You can really see the tint from the side in the 360 view,

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3229795

We usually advise prioritising cut over everything else, then rearranging colour and clarity to suit the budget and size requirement! I expect many people would prefer a beautifully cut, smaller stone in a higher colour range, but only you can decide what's best for you.

 

[pakman912]

Thanks for the options Snowdrop13. Strong blue fluorescence would definitely help balance out the color in certain lighting. The halo setting would bring the it to 6 - 6.5k which isn't too bad for a nicer cut. Though that table inclusion bothers me, will need to inquire JA to see if eye clean.

My original budget was ~8k w/ setting so for 3k more, I see my options as either going for a similar stone in I or upgrading weight to 1.5ct and staying K color. I am happy with the current stone's cut (HCA 2.6) and clarity (VS2) and would not like go lower in quality on either.

 

[Carter001]

It is worth buying.

 

[ringo865]

Carter 1 post.

 

[tyty333]

I think the price is very good for the stone/setting. The stone could be slightly better cut so if that is your priority you might want to
"build" the set at a higher cost. I would look at the stone in as many different lighting conditions as possible and decide if you think it
would be ok with your GF.