Help! Completely overwhelmed...

[Mturgeon05]

I have been stalking these boards, but just joined officially because I need help. Thought I knew what I was looking for, and after weeks of scrutinizing thousands of online diamonds, I found a ring on Blue Nile that I thought met all the specifications: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09471317

Well...I put it into the HCA and got a 4 . Now I am completely overwhelmed and lost. Where do I even start? I am looking for at least 1.5 carats, round, for no more than $13K. I would like to put it in a cushion cut halo, but would also consider a really neat non-halo band. Can anyone help a girl out?

 

[marymm]

If you have/want to stick with BN, here's a sweet option, a 1.50ct G-VVS2 diamond that scores 1.9 on the HCA and gets a solid 1A on the AGA Cut Class Diamond Tool - this diamond is ever so slightly over-budget at $13,139 - https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

 

[marymm]

If you are open to another vendor and to an I-color diamond, then I'd jump on this option from WhiteFlash, this 1.52ct I-VS2 A Cut Above, which will be an amazing diamond, and comes in under your $13K budget .

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3965450.htm

 

[Mturgeon05]

Thank you!

If you have/want to stick with BN, here's a sweet option, a 1.50ct G-VVS2 diamond that scores 1.9 on the HCA and gets a solid 1A on the AGA Cut Class Diamond Tool - this diamond is ever so slightly over-budget at $13,139 - https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

!!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Nope...not set on any particular vendor. Just liked their views!

 

[Lorelei]

I have been stalking these boards, but just joined officially because I need help. Thought I knew what I was looking for, and after weeks of scrutinizing thousands of online diamonds, I found a ring on Blue Nile that I thought met all the specifications: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09471317

Well...I put it into the HCA and got a 4 . Now I am completely overwhelmed and lost. Where do I even start? I am looking for at least 1.5 carats, round, for no more than $13K. I would like to put it in a cushion cut halo, but would also consider a really neat non-halo band. Can anyone help a girl out?

Hi Mt and welcome!

Of course we can help you out! You will have lots of lovely options for your budget, is the budget to include the setting or just the diamond please?

Mary posted a beautiful diamond and the original one isn't as bad as the HCA suggests as far as I can tell, a few things ' save' it from looking like the classic steep/deep leaker but can we do better? Most certainly!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Thank you!! The budget is just for the diamond. And up until now, I have been looking on BN mostly because of the lack of sales tax. Whiteflash is in Texas, so I would have to account for tax on that site. Just like everyone...I want the cleanest looking diamond I can get for my budget, but I’ve been caught up on what I can see in the magnified pics online. I have no idea how those translate in real life. Who knew this was so hard?!

Hi Mt and welcome!

Of course we can help you out! You will have lots of lovely options for your budget, is the budget to include the setting or just the diamond please?

Mary posted a beautiful diamond and the original one isn't as bad as the HCA suggests as far as I can tell, a few things ' save' it from looking like the classic steep/deep leaker but can we do better? Most certainly!

 

[rockysalamander]

Hang tight. Folks will post some options for you. We love to look.

 

[farrahlyn]

BN has some really nice choices. I didn't run any of these through the HCA:

1.61 H VVS2
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
Over $1k Cheaper here, BN will price match in many cases:
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11409243/Round-diamond-H-color-VVS2-clarity

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

this is outside of the normally ideal dimensions recommended here because of the higher crown angle but i LOVE this stone
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

 

[rockysalamander]

I have been stalking these boards, but just joined officially because I need help. Thought I knew what I was looking for, and after weeks of scrutinizing thousands of online diamonds, I found a ring on Blue Nile that I thought met all the specifications: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09471317

Well...I put it into the HCA and got a 4 . Now I am completely overwhelmed and lost. Where do I even start? I am looking for at least 1.5 carats, round, for no more than $13K. I would like to put it in a cushion cut halo, but would also consider a really neat non-halo band. Can anyone help a girl out?

Your selection was too deep. Limit depth percentage to 60 to 62.5. That will help.

 

[Mturgeon05]

BN has some really nice choices. I didn't run any of these through the HCA:

1.61 H VVS2
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
Over $1k Cheaper here, BN will price match in many cases:
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11409243/Round-diamond-H-color-VVS2-clarity

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

this is outside of the normally ideal dimensions recommended here because of the higher crown angle but i LOVE this stone
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

Those are great...thanks! Question about fluorescence - should I be bothered by it? Should I pay more to avoid it?

And for clarity - I am drawn to the VVSs when I look at them online. Should I pay the extra money to have that or would it even matter in person?

 

[tkyasx78]

I saw a diamond online over the weekend I thought looked nice. It was 12,800 ish
It is a J in color and an SI1 in clarity But the cut ( and polish and symmetry) is excellent , no Fluorescence with a 1.8 HCA
And while it may be a J in color —- the carat weight ( if I was in the market for a diamond LOL ) would be enough for me to be ok with it. ( I am not very color sensitive once stones are set )

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798879

 

[tkyasx78]

Those are great...thanks! Question about fluorescence - should I be bothered by it? Should I pay more to avoid it?

And for clarity - I am drawn to the VVSs when I look at them online. Should I pay the extra money to have that or would it even matter in person?

In my opinion, I am not a fan or fluorsence, and the difference between a 100% eye clean 2 inches from the eye SI1 vs and IF diamond is not worth the extra money. When I am buying a diamond I would rather have a bigger stone as long as it is well cut and eye clean.

 

[Lorelei]

Those are great...thanks! Question about fluorescence - should I be bothered by it? Should I pay more to avoid it?

And for clarity - I am drawn to the VVSs when I look at them online. Should I pay the extra money to have that or would it even matter in person?

Should you be bothered by fluorescence? That depends. Very rarely, strong blue or very strong blue might have a negative effect on the stone but this is very unusual. Medium or faint, you might not even notice it. I'm the sort if I find a diamond for me has fluorescence I'm happy as I like it but not everyone does. Should you pay to avoid it? Not really, just stick with stones that don't have it.

If you love the idea of VVS then go for it, you won't notice a visual difference between it and VS or even some SI clarities but it depends on what's of value to you, if you're ' drawn' to VVS then that's reason enough to consider it IMO.

 

[Mturgeon05]

I saw a diamond online over the weekend I thought looked nice. It was 12,800 ish
It is a J in color and an SI1 in clarity But the cut ( and polish and symmetry) is excellent , no Fluorescence with a 1.8 HCA
And while it may be a J in color —- the carat weight ( if I was in the market for a diamond LOL ) would be enough for me to be ok with it. ( I am not very color sensitive once stones are set )

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798879

Wowza...that size is great. Since I have no clue what it would look like to my eye, I have no idea if the J would bother me. My current ring is an H, but a whole lot smaller (.5) and a princess cut, so I can't even compare. Let me noodle on this one. I appreciate it!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Should you be bothered by fluorescence? That depends. Very rarely, strong blue or very strong blue might have a negative effect on the stone but this is very unusual. Medium or faint, you might not even notice it. I'm the sort if I find a diamond for me has fluorescence I'm happy as I like it but not everyone does. Should you pay to avoid it? Not really, just stick with stones that don't have it.

If you love the idea of VVS then go for it, you won't notice a visual difference between it and VS or even some SI clarities but it depends on what's of value to you, if you're ' drawn' to VVS then that's reason enough to consider it IMO.

Thanks for the great advice. I think I am just drawn to it online because it looks SO clear. Like everyone has told me, though, I probably wouldn't even notice IRL. That's why I am so thankful for you guys. You are able to look at a VS or an SI and tell what would look just as beautiful not magnified, so I am more than willing to explore that. Obviously I just want the most quality diamond I can find for the best price, so if I don't have to pay more for something that wouldn't even be noticeable, than I won't .

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks for the great advice. I think I am just drawn to it online because it looks SO clear. Like everyone has told me, though, I probably wouldn't even notice IRL. That's why I am so thankful for you guys. You are able to look at a VS or an SI and tell what would look just as beautiful not magnified, so I am more than willing to explore that. Obviously I just want the most quality diamond I can find for the best price, so if I don't have to pay more for something that wouldn't even be noticeable, than I won't .

That's what we're here for! You can ask questions and bounce ideas off us and although we all have our own preferences, we try to stay as neutral as possible to help you discover YOURS.

You won't notice any visible difference between VS or VVS in this size range unless you have X Ray vision or you come across the extremely rare VS2 that ' might' have a teeny inclusion that some can pick up if they scrutinise the diamond from all angles, but this isn't the norm and your vendor can advise anyway.

If you're not set on VVS then look at VS primarily but maybe consider a verified eye clean SI1 if the need arises ( with vendor help of course).

 

[farrahlyn]

Personally, i like fluoro but it's not for everyone. Stones with a Strong or Very strong fluoro need to be inspected to ensure it's not cloudy or hazy but it seems to be a semi-rare occurence. as far as clarity, why pay more for IF if you can find an SI stone that is eye clean? FOr some people, they want their stone to be "mind clean" but that is a personal preference.

here are some options from JA. Settings are 25% off right now, i think this is a GREAT option for you.

settings:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...tline-falling-edge-engagement-ring-item-53073
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53074

Stones:

Another one with a higher crown but i really like this one too.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4595017

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4637344

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4718969

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4747335

If you're open to an I color:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4748737

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4748745

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4197602

 

[Lorelei]

I must just say Farrah, you do a great job with your selections!

 

[farrahlyn]

I must just say Farrah, you do a great job with your selections!

thank you @Lorelei!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Personally, i like fluoro but it's not for everyone. Stones with a Strong or Very strong fluoro need to be inspected to ensure it's not cloudy or hazy but it seems to be a semi-rare occurence. as far as clarity, why pay more for IF if you can find an SI stone that is eye clean? FOr some people, they want their stone to be "mind clean" but that is a personal preference.

here are some options from JA. Settings are 25% off right now, i think this is a GREAT option for you.

settings:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...tline-falling-edge-engagement-ring-item-53073
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53074

Stones:

Another one with a higher crown but i really like this one too.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4595017

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4637344

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4718969

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4747335

If you're open to an I color:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4748737

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4748745

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4197602

Thank you!! That third setting is exactly what I'm looking for. Love love love. So to clarify - the VSs and the one SI...the inclusions I see on the face will not be visible to the eye?

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you!! That third setting is exactly what I'm looking for. Love love love. So to clarify - the VSs and the one SI...the inclusions I see on the face will not be visible to the eye?

That you'd need to discuss with the vendor with the stone in hand whether the SI will be eye clean to your preferences.

 

[Mturgeon05]

That you'd need to discuss with the vendor with the stone in hand whether the SI will be eye clean to your preferences.

What about the VSs? Are they always eye clean?

 

[Lorelei]

What about the VSs? Are they always eye clean?

Usually eye clean Mt.

It's always best to check even in VS as occasionally a stone might not be eye clean depending on the location, type and colour of the inclusion plus the individual eyesight of the viewer. Also remember you might see something from the side even if a stone is eye clean from the top.

 

[Mturgeon05]

Usually eye clean Mt.

It's always best to check even in VS as occasionally a stone might not be eye clean depending on the location, type and colour of the inclusion plus the individual eyesight of the viewer. Also remember you might see something from the side even if a stone is eye clean from the top.

Gotcha. Thanks!!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Which would you guys do?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10008840
Actual price would be $11,075

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10204951
Actual price would be $11,290

 

[farrahlyn]

Which would you guys do?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10008840
Actual price would be $11,075

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10204951
Actual price would be $11,290

No Brainer for me, they're both lovely stones. GO BIGGER!

 

[Mturgeon05]

No Brainer for me, they're both lovely stones. GO BIGGER!

Haha! I like your thinking. And I had the prices backwards, so that one is cheaper too!!

 

[Mturgeon05]

Two more questions:

1. This diamond is also on this site: https://www.b2cjewels.com/design-your-own-ring?buildId=1. Any familiarity with that site? Should I just buy from them or is it worth it to try to get BN to price match?

2. Advice on settings? I love the one mentioned above on JA: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53074 but I am not buying the diamond from them. I don't love the ones on BN as much. What are my options?

I feel like I am getting somewhere thanks to you guys!

 

[farrahlyn]

here is one of their halos that seems similar to what you're looking for:
https://www.b2cjewels.com/round/1/A...ment-ring-for-round-diamond-in-14k-white-gold
maybe search here for finished rings from them to see how you feel about their work? Alternatively You could have the stone shipped to JA to set it, they charge a $100 setting fee.

OR you could call up IDJ and ask if they can source that same stone and set in one of the many halos they have available. (this is just a few, they have a lot more available)

https://idjewelry.com/0-24-ct-diamo...hite-gold-diamond-halo-er10913w44jj-igcd.html

https://idjewelry.com/0-35-ct-diamo...white-gold-diamond-halo-er6977w44jj-igcd.html

https://idjewelry.com/0-42-ct-diamo...hite-gold-diamond-halo-er12781w44jj-igcd.html

https://idjewelry.com/0-60-ct-diamo...white-gold-diamond-halo-er7293w44jj-igcd.html