This diamond a good buy for the money? (Small e-ring budget)

[Rainstorm]

My partner and I are in the market for an engagement ring. We’re looking at vintage and colored-stone options, but we keep coming back to the enticing ideal-cut diamond dream.

I really do not want to spend more than $2.5k when it’s all said and done (stone + simple setting). I think .5c is feasible in this price range?

I like this diamond but didn’t know if it was a good buy for the money:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4089715.htm

I would love help from the experts here on how to maximize our small budget. I don’t need to have the branded super-ideal label necessarily, I just don’t feel confident about knowing what to look for if a diamond isn’t obviously labeled. I love sparkle and fire and want something eye clean. I wouldn’t mind making sacrifices for something larger, I just also don’t know what sacrifices to make. I also like the idea of buying something we could upgrade later.

Thank you in advance.

 

[lovedogs]

If you are open to upgrading later, definitely go with Whiteflash or high performance diamonds. Both carry branded super ideal cuts and both have a $1 upgrade policy.

I would strongly consider going down in color since the stone is under 1ct, so G/H/I should be fine. G/H is definitely safe, I would be fine unless your gf is color sensitive.

I'd go with this one
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4081318.htm

Or this one if you think an I will be risky.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3802453.htm

I know the inclusions look scary, but WF says it's eye clean and I trust them 100%

 

[lovedogs]

Here's another good choice. Expert selection is their great stones that didn't quite make the ACA grade. They can be an outstanding value and great stones. I like this one a lot.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3999718.htm

 

[SimoneDi]

I would ask WF to send you a video of a couple of stones side-by-side and pick the one that speaks to you the most. I do love your original selection and also like @lovedogs’s recommendations.

I only want to make a comment regarding the setting, if you go for a simple solitaire setting, I would recommend this one vs the Ritani one which is pretty flimsy.

 

[Rainstorm]

Thank you so much for the speedy response! I think Expert Selection is very reasonable and I like that they are also eligible for trade up. Do you know if Premium Select stones perform well also?

 

[AV_]

Place a 'Want to Buy' announcement here too.

 

[Rainstorm]

@SimoneDi Not sure how to quote on here, but thank you for the info on the setting. I also didn’t know Whiteflash did the video side by sides so that will be very very helpful!

@AV_ I’m not sure how to do that! Can I do it on the mobile app?

 

[AV_]

I am on a tablet & can see the WTB threads - www

 

[lovedogs]

Thank you so much for the speedy response! I think Expert Selection is very reasonable and I like that they are also eligible for trade up. Do you know if Premium Select stones perform well also?

The PS stones can be hit or miss. Some are great, others are not. Just depends on the stone. If you're considering any of them just link them and we will look. Or honestly call WF and they can talk you through making the best choice for your budget. And they'll send videos/pics of possible stone choices.

 

[SimoneDi]

@Rainstorm The videos are for sure helpful!

WTB post in Preloved will be helpful if you are interested in purchasing on the secondary market, however, you lose upgrade options if you purchase from an individual. Not sure if that is important to you.

Here is another suggestion from a different vendor as well: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....618-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104104773138

This is at the top of your budget, but they are running a 10% off special now so it might be within reach. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....624-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104100263033

 

[lovedogs]

@Rainstorm The videos are for sure helpful!

WTB post in Preloved will be helpful if you are interested in purchasing on the secondary market, however, you lose upgrade options if you purchase from an individual. Not sure if that is important to you.

Here is another suggestion from a different vendor as well: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....618-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104104773138

This is at the top of your budget, but they are running a 10% off special now so it might be within reach. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....624-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104100263033

Both of those are gorgeous! My only worry is that BN upgrades have to increase 2 of 3 (color/clarity/carat). If OP gets vs2+ or G+ now, that might be cost prohibitive down the road

 

[AV_]

This is an adventure - 1 ct 'H/VS' transitional - WWW

The shop counts on buyers who do not need to see the goods - so pictures are what they are. Obviously, not a diamond specialist either. I would still want to know how they know what the grades are - H/Vs is nearly I/SI to say the least, etc.

Why I mention - the pattern of reflections on that thing looks nicely crisp to me & sugests fine brilliance; it also identifies the stone as a 'transitional' round brilliant cut (1930s) somewhat differently made than the current & nicer to me because of the broader facets. These are never as precise as a modern Ideal, but... many around here have both, often acquired in reverse historical order.

I'll leave this to the forum here to kill off !

 

[lovedogs]

This is an adventure - 1 ct 'H/VS' transitional - WWW

The shop counts on buyers who do not need to see the goods - so pictures are what they are. Obviously, not a diamond specialist either. I would still want to know how they know what the grades are - H/Vs is nearly I/SI to say the least, etc.

Why I mention - the pattern of reflections on that thing looks nicely crisp to me & sugests fine brilliance; it also identifies the stone as a 'transitional' round brilliant cut (1930s) somewhat differently made than the current & nicer to me because of the broader facets. These are never as precise as a modern Ideal, but... many around here have both, usually in reverse historical order.

I'll leave this to the forum here to kill off !

This is super risky IMHO, and zero upgrade policy or guarantee OP is getting a well cut stone. I'd stick with the trusted vendors.

Eek. I wrote zero return policy and meant zero upgrade policy. This vendor is trusted for colored stones but isn't a diamond vendor

 

[Rainstorm]

@AV_

Oh I see what you meant! Post on that board. I’m definitely open to secondhand jewelry so I appreciate it and will do that.

The ring you posted is actually the right size! Haha. We do like the older cuts, hence why we were considering vintage rings. It would be a gamble but that sure is a lot of diamond for the money...

 

[lovedogs]

IF your gf is open to 3 stone rings and IF HP diamonds would honor their upgrade policy for a 2nd owner, this is lovely
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ond-three-stone-ring-size-6-cbi-diamond;29224

You get a super ideal center Stone and 2 awesome side stones, all made by David klass (very trusted jeweler). But again, if HPD doesn't expwnd their upgrade policy to 2nd owners of the stone, this might be risky

 

[partgypsy]

I wanted to comment on this since this is my ring : ) I asked and the upgrade is only honored for the original owner. I do have to say the ring has a LOT of presence given its carat weight. and my romantic side thinks it would be wonderful to be an engagement ring.

 

[SimoneDi]

IF your gf is open to 3 stone rings and IF HP diamonds would honor their upgrade policy for a 2nd owner, this is lovely
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ond-three-stone-ring-size-6-cbi-diamond;29224

You get a super ideal center Stone and 2 awesome side stones, all made by David klass (very trusted jeweler). But again, if HPD doesn't expwnd their upgrade policy to 2nd owners of the stone, this might be risky

Omg this is gorgeous and I totally forgot about it! OP buy this one, it is stunning and such a great deal!

 

[lovedogs]

Omg this is gorgeous and I totally forgot about it! OP buy this one, it is stunning and such a great deal!

I wanted to comment on this since this is my ring : ) I asked and the upgrade is only honored for the original owner. I do have to say the ring has a LOT of presence given its carat weight. and my romantic side thinks it would be wonderful to be an engagement ring.

too bad about the upgrade policy, but I feel like at this amazing price it's almost worth not having the upgrade policy. And it's more ring for the $ than you'll find anywhere else without sacrificing cut.

 

[Rainstorm]

I’m going to talk with my partner about this ring! It’s a different style than we’ve talked about but the quality is definitely there.

Thank you for all the support.