$1000 more to upgrade I1 to SI?

[ojoy]

I found a great diamond band to match my engagement ring but it is I1 clarity ,GH color and 0.5 total carat weight for $899.
I have asked to upgrade it to SI clarity and the jeweller asked me to pay $1000 more! Is this reasonable price? Also, I was wondering if the clarity will make any difference for this small diamond band. I also have attached two pictures of I1 clarity ring. Please tell me if I should get SI clarity or stay with I1. Thank you.

Plus, my ring size is very small and they have to order a new one which makes me impossible to check diamonds condition.

 

[yennyfire]

I1 stones will definitely have inclusions you can see with the naked eye, though if the stones are small enough, no one will ever examine the ring closely enough to see them. Is the extra $1K for SI1 or SI2? That would make a difference to me. The other factor is how important eye clean is to you? And eye clean at what distance? These are all things you need to consider before deciding if it's worth the upgrade.

 

[CedarRapids]

Hard to answer that question. Who graded the I1 stones? Who will be the one to grade SI1 stones? Will cut remain the same or be improved in the new stones?

 

[Gypsy]

I would absolutely prefer SI but I don't think you are getting a good deal as those stones are very small and there doesn't appear to be that is many of them. I vote to look for a different band altogether that has better quality from t
he get go.

 

[mjertl]

I would absolutely prefer SI but I don't think you are getting a good deal as those stones are very small and there doesn't appear to be that is many of them. I vote to look for a different band altogether that has better quality from t
he get go.

+1

 

[Amys Bling]

Hard to answer that question. Who graded the I1 stones? Who will be the one to grade SI1 stones? Will cut remain the same or be improved in the new stones?

great questions. EGL graded I1 will most likely be far less eyeclean than GIA or AGS graded I1 stones. Cut can also make a great difference in performance and appearance.

 

[Amys Bling]

I would absolutely prefer SI but I don't think you are getting a good deal as those stones are very small and there doesn't appear to be that is many of them. I vote to look for a different band altogether that has better quality from t
he get go.

my thoughts exactly. I think SI1 for a band is way better and I would prefer it, but for 2,000 (the cost of the band and the upgraded stones) I think you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Have you checked the PS vendors? They do excellent work and I think you will get better quality for the price you were quoted by the jeweler.

 

[ame]

If it was a GIA graded stone ~$1k would be about right for a clarity jump.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with starting over. I'd never buy an I1 band and I think you are getting ripped off on the price of the SI band.

Examples of fine quality diamond bands:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/dream-half-eternity-18k-yellow-gold-5392y18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/peggy-matching-band-18k-yellow-gold-5463y18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/half-eternity-bezel-band-18k-yellow-gold-5396y18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/seven-stone-shared-prong-band-18k-yellow-gold-5391y18

 

[Gypsy]

If it was a GIA graded stone ~$1k would be about right for a clarity jump.

Melee stones under 25-30 points are not usually graded so I don't think she is going to know. From the pictures those diamonds are not large enough to have lab grading, so the point is probably moot.

 

[ojoy]

Thank you all for answering my question. I guess I better move on and find a better ring.
Do you know any online stores that have quality diamond melees ring?

 

[Gypsy]

Yes, Blue Nile has very nice melee, WF, Brian Gavin is very fussy and has amazing melee, ID Jewelery (he has two catagories one for Pricescopers the other is 'average' either might work for you. He's best on the phone so ask for Yekutiel and let him know we sent you), Pearlmans entire stock is great. Dimend Scaasi has lovely stuff, and you can call Eternity Diamonds and inquire about theirs, I would suspect that they have nice stuff available for Pricescopers as they are an advertising vendor.

 

[ojoy]

Yes, Blue Nile has very nice melee, WF, Brian Gavin is very fussy and has amazing melee, ID Jewelery (he has two catagories one for Pricescopers the other is 'average' either might work for you. He's best on the phone so ask for Yekutiel and let him know we sent you), Pearlmans entire stock is great. Dimend Scaasi has lovely stuff, and you can call Eternity Diamonds and inquire about theirs, I would suspect that they have nice stuff available for Pricescopers as they are an advertising vendor.

Thank you Gypsy!
What do you think about James Allen?
It seems they have a great policy for refund and return. What about small diamonds quality is like?

 

[Gypsy]

Their biggest competitor is Blue Nile so I would assume comparable, which means above average and clean. I would buy from them.