1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please Help

[slowhand]

Dear all,

Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

I am looking for a diamond (0.9 - 1ct.) for a solitaire style white gold ring with very limited budget.
I checked many websites selling diamonds (James Allen, Blue Nile, Pricescope search engine, local jewelers, and even eBay.)
The price range is very wide depends on the quality of stones. I literally made myself confused.
I think I found one I want. Before I pull the trigger, I would like to have experts opinion on this diamond.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4055133-1.00-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-SI3-clarity.aspx

My ultimate goal is to spend as little as possible for an OK looking, decent diamond (at least 0.9 ct. But 1 ct is much preferred.)
My fiancee and I understand that we get what we paid for. But we can't justify ourselves spending few hundreds to thousand dollars more for the better one. Once we buy it, we'll keep it forever. No chance of reselling it.

I even looked for clarity enhanced version because some people recommends it if I am not going to resell. I was told that I can get much better looking stone for way under my budget. I think nobody from this forum recommends this option.

This is what I am looking for.
Budget: $2,500 max
Clarity: not that important factor as long as imperfections are not visible with naked eye.
Cut: Excellent to Very Good - I think the cut is the most important thing so it can sparkle.

I know that I am asking too much. Any inputs will be really appreciated.
Thank you so much. Happy holidays.

 

[Niel]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Does it have to be a round? You'd have a bit more luck with marquise and pears.
Also your color seems really high for what you're asking.

That has yellow flourecence. I'd want to know what that does to the color.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

$2500 will not buy you a nice 1ct stone.

 

[Niel]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

$2500 will not buy you a nice 1ct stone.

It's not impossible. Though a brand new MRB in a near colorless range? I'm don't think so.

 

[slowhand]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you once again for your inputs.
What will be the minimum budget for an OK looking round diamond? (0.9ct - 1ct)

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you once again for your inputs.
What will be the minimum budget for an OK looking round diamond? (0.9ct - 1ct)

About $6500.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.913-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104067957035

 

[krisjon]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

I'd look for a .5-.75 carat, AGS Ideal cut, H color SI1 that's eye clean. It will give you a really nice stone that will face up white and sparkle /look the way you want it to.

Like most have indicated, you're not going to find a 1 CT of even decent quality for $2500, but you can find a well-cut smaller stone that will look a million times better. Get a simple, thinner solitaire setting and the stone will pop even more.

Go for quality over quantity (CT-wise), trust me.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you once again for your inputs.
What will be the minimum budget for an OK looking round diamond? (0.9ct - 1ct)

You can get out-the-door for under $5,400 (after Pricescope discount), with this one. It should be eye-clean:

.928ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.928-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959002

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

This is what $2,500 will get you, in terms of a well-cut, eye-clean stone:

.604ct, G, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.604-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959017

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you once again for your inputs.
What will be the minimum budget for an OK looking round diamond? (0.9ct - 1ct)

You can get out-the-door for under $5,400 (after Pricescope discount), with this one. It should be eye-clean:

.928ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.928-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959002

Nice stone..

 

[Maisie]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

If the size and combination of diamond you want is out of your price range you can either save for longer or change the criteria. You can get a beautiful smaller diamond that will be a stunning performer for your budget. My daughter got engaged with a gorgeous half carat H&A diamond. It sparkles from across the room. She loves it. I'd much rather have a smaller diamond that performs like hers than a bigger dull lifeless one

 

[krisjon]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you once again for your inputs.
What will be the minimum budget for an OK looking round diamond? (0.9ct - 1ct)

You can get out-the-door for under $5,400 (after Pricescope discount), with this one. It should be eye-clean:

.928ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.928-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959002

Nice stone..

Seriously nice for the price. Great find.

 

[Niel]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Strong fluorescence to combat the color. Good clarity and in budget and size

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-93-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-ZNRNWB

 

[slowhand]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Strong fluorescence to combat the color. Good clarity and in budget and size

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-93-Carat-L-color-GIA-certified/D-ZNRNWB

Glad to see something that fits the bill.

Thank you so much all for your insights.
When posting this thread, I thought excellent cut with SI1-3 clarity and J above color are good enough diamonds. I was able find few of them in my budget.
Good thing that I have your insights before pulling the trigger.

 

[Niel]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

This is what $2,500 will get you, in terms of a well-cut, eye-clean stone:

.604ct, G, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.604-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959017

He can do better than that. There's no reason to stay g and vs1 if clearly size is number one concern. Plus that other bg is lovely but more than twice over budget. So not really realistic.

 

[Niel]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

I have a k in a white gold setting. So you could do a color that low if she was ok with it. Most people looking at it in my hand tell me how white and sparkly it is.

 

[distracts]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Dunno what's been done to it, but a possible option:
http://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/113-carat-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-size-5-set-platinum-0

 

[Kellybell]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

No idea if this is eye clean or not, but might be worth checking out:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11663/

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

It's important to determine how color sensitive the recipient is.

If you drop to I,J,K in color, you can greatly increase size. However, these color grades are not acceptable to everyone.

Many people find stones below I-color 'too yellow.' It's really a person-to-person thing, but one of my fiance's friends is consistently disappointed that she received a J-colored stone and refers to it as 'too yellow' constantly. Wouldn't want you to be in the same predicament.

It's important to see different color grades in person, to determine personal tolerance/preference.

 

[lovebug1031]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

if you're open to something a little different and don't mind a little lower color, this is a steal! and way under budget might i add!

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11642/

 

[lovebug1031]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

It's important to determine how color sensitive the recipient is.

If you drop to I,J,K in color, you can greatly increase size. However, these color grades are not acceptable to everyone.

Many people find stones below I-color 'too yellow.' It's really a person-to-person thing, but one of my fiance's friends is consistently disappointed that she received a J-colored stone and refers to it as 'too yellow' constantly. Wouldn't want you to be in the same predicament.

It's important to see different color grades in person, to determine personal tolerance/preference.

this is definitley true - it also depends on the cut of stone. for instance mine is an O-P Light Brown AVR, i can't see the color at all, probably due to the fact it's set in RG. I would not have cared for this same stone if it were a MRB!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

I'd be aiming for I-J color and SI1 clarity to get the biggest possible stone in excellent cut. Eliminate SI3 because GIA and AGS do not even use that grade. It is a deceptive grade that normally means I1, which is usually eye visible inclusions.

You are not going to get close to a carat with a budget of $2500. in a near colorless excellent cut stone. If you can go a little higher, you can get into the .80 range.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11630/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3029493.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034179.htm


If she likes antique rings and doesn't mind lower color, she can get a larger diamond.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-09-ct-oec-diamond-in-vintage-14k-two-tone-engagement-ring


This one is 3 stones with a total weight of a carat:

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/reduced-platinum-1ctw-three-stone-diamond-ring

What about a 5 stone diamond band for the e-ring worn with a plain wedding band? That gives a lot of bling for the money!

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-1-dot-25-ctw-five-stone-ring-in-platinum-filigree-setting-f-g-vs1-vs2

 

[jramy278]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Might be a bit of a stretch but here are a couple I found on JBEG for you to look at: (http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings_page_2 )

0.94ct G SI1 early modern RB in a vintage ring for $3550 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/80ct-est-Round-Brilliant-D/23220844_ztmx79#!i=1872133628&k=PTmpqr6


0.915ct E VS1 AGS000 solitaire set for $5725 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/915ct-Round-Brilliant-Diamond/34624082_Kpmf3F#!i=2939160294&k=LvKkTcD

 

[lovebug1031]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

I'd be aiming for I-J color and SI1 clarity to get the biggest possible stone in excellent cut. Eliminate SI3 because GIA and AGS do not even use that grade. It is a deceptive grade that normally means I1, which is usually eye visible inclusions.

You are not going to get close to a carat with a budget of $2500. in a near colorless excellent cut stone. If you can go a little higher, you can get into the .80 range.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11630/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3029493.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034179.htm


If she likes antique rings and doesn't mind lower color, she can get a larger diamond.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-09-ct-oec-diamond-in-vintage-14k-two-tone-engagement-ring


This one is 3 stones with a total weight of a carat:

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/reduced-platinum-1ctw-three-stone-diamond-ring

What about a 5 stone diamond band for the e-ring worn with a plain wedding band? That gives a lot of bling for the money!

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-1-dot-25-ctw-five-stone-ring-in-platinum-filigree-setting-f-g-vs1-vs2

THAT IS PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!

 

[lovebug1031]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

if you can stretch your budget $500 more this would be nice too! not a solitaire

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/37060/Tiffany-and-Co-Soleste.html

 

[slowhand]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you so much for your informative inputs.

Clarity: Eye clean. SI1, some I1 are acceptable as well.
Color: J or above
Cut: Very good to Excellent

From B2C Jewels search engine, I found about 20 diamonds. (Price: < $3,000 Cut: Excellent, Color: J & above, Clarity: SI3 & above, Carat: 0.9-1.1ct, Certification from GIA and B2C)
So, none of them is worth buying? Are they all dull and lifeless?
Perhaps B2C Jewel is not a place to buy diamonds?

 

[jramy278]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Hard to say without any info, but going solely by numbers and HCA <2, here are a couple that might be worth investigating

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4341092-0.91-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-SI2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4341092&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4358965-0.90-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-SI2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4358965&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[Maisie]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

I think the SI3 clarity could be a problem. You would need to make sure any diamond you choose is eye clean and make sure you and the vendor agree on what eye clean means to you.

 

[c-k]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you so much for your informative inputs.

Clarity: Eye clean. SI1, some I1 are acceptable as well.
Color: J or above
Cut: Very good to Excellent

From B2C Jewels search engine, I found about 20 diamonds. (Price: < $3,000 Cut: Excellent, Color: J & above, Clarity: SI3 & above, Carat: 0.9-1.1ct, Certification from GIA and B2C)
So, none of them is worth buying? Are they all dull and lifeless?
Perhaps B2C Jewel is not a place to buy diamonds?

I think you are getting the idea...

Clarity: Eye Clean - you will not find very many in the I1, likely need to be SI1 or higher (a SI2 maybe??)
Color: J or above - or lower with fluorescence
Cut: Excellent or Ideal cut - only (not all Excellent cuts are created equal)

You need to ask the vendor if the stone is eye clean on anything that is lower than a VS1, an I or J color in a white gold setting will look very white, cut is the KEY, it will make the diamond sparkle. You will not tell a difference from a .90 to a 1.05 ct stone.

 

[slowhand]

Re: 1 ct. Round Brilliant Diamond with $2,500 Budget Please

Thank you so much. I will stretch little bit. I increased my budget to $3,000.

Any recommendation and opinions are highly appreciated.
I really want to buy it by tomorrow. I want to take advantage of 5% cash back with Discover cars .( 5% on all online purchase until year end)