1ct Asscher help from a Londoner!

[Californiadreaming]

Hi like many novices on PriceScope, I am driving myself crazy trying to decide how and where to purchase an Asscher cut. I am also trying so hard to determine what a good, forget the assets, I just don't have a clue!!

I know from reading on here, and looking in Hatton Garden - the jewellery district in London - that you need to see the diamonds really and can't just go by specs. I don't really want to buy over here as I will pay more. I want to buy online, probably from the US (Blue Nile, JA, GOG or Whiteflash I guess).

I am generally looking for:

1 carat, just over or under is fine, would like as much spread as poss (don't we all!)

F colour (to my surprise I'm a little colour sensitive)

Ideal or excellent cut if appropriate (I know you don't get cut specs but on some websites they do clarify) or very good if not

Inclusion wise, as long as eye clean I don't mind what it says on the certificate

I know I should maybe look for a table of around 60? And a medium to thick girdle?

Here's the killer - I need it come in at under $6000 really as will be paying tax to ship it to England.

If any wonderful soul could lead me to two or three stones that would be fantastic. I'm going to post a few I've found but I have to dash now!

Thanks so much

 

[Niel]

This is the nicest one in the colorless range on JA in your budget. It would be eye clean enough for me but I can't say for you.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.04-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-523981

How will you set it? What's your finger size?

 

[Californiadreaming]

Hi thanks for your reply!
I have very small fingers. Not sure of exact size and can't check at the mo but I guess a 4?
I will set it in plain platinum band, no pave or anything. It will sit with a 3ct asscher eternity band

 

[Californiadreaming]

That stone looks great

 

[Coralfish]

Hi there

Here are my 2 pics from JA, to go with Niel's.

I'd need to see an ASET before proceeding as VG (vs Ex) symmetry can reveal itself better with those tools.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.21-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-438677

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.14-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-319211


Also, Good old gold have a good reputation for finding you an asscher. They have stock to choose from. However if they call in stones for you there are not insignificant non-refundable deposits. Please someone correct me if I am inaccurate re. deposits. goodoldgold.com

You're $7200 all in for the stone (inc VAT)? Bear in mind if the stone is loose you've 20% VAT, if it's set there is duty on top of that too, something under 5%, sorry I can't remember the exact amount.

 

[craiguk]

Duty is 2.5%. I still think you get better value from the U.S. Even with the tax and duty added on as either way you still pay it in the UK regardless of where you buy from.

 

[Californiadreaming]

Hey all - thanks again for responses, it's a real lifeline!

Apologies, I have just read through my post and I haven't clarified my budget properly (never post on phone on public transport!) - my budget is approx $6000 ALL IN for the ring, including stone, setting and tax. So my budget for the stone is around $3000. I will get it set in London.

Sorry for the confusion Coralfish, when you have been kind enough to look for me.

Are there any other stones anyone would recommend for the $3k mark? I will contact James Allen about the stone Niel has recommended but guess I should have three stones to request assets for?