Hi all,
Echoing the remarks of many others who are also new to this resource, thanks for all of the great information you've contributed to this site...I've spent the past couple weeks simply digesting, and now I'm ready to move forward.
I'm early into my search for a loose stone (to be set into the perfect halo engagement setting that I'll find later) and I've got a budget (max) of $2000 for the stone. I found a non-certified .64, VG, H, Si1 priced at $1980 at my local (reputable, non-mall) jeweler, and they won't haggle at all (absolutely not, they say). I don't mind something without certification, and I've looked at enough stones locally to see how conservatively rated it is (I'd say it's an extremely good Si1, if not VS2), but unfortunately I don't have any of the other dimensions, measurements, etc. It's a really beautiful stone but fundamentally I'm curious if I need to keep looking. I really think it's pretty but then again, what do I know? Here are my requirements:
-At least H in color
-At least .64 in ct weight. Since I'll be putting it into a halo setting, the size isn't the most important. I'd rather buy something dazzling and small than big and dirty.
-Very good cut or better
-No visible inclusions to the naked eye
-Other suggestions?
I've found this, for example: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2618033.htm by using the PS search.
I'd like to shop locally if possible, but if I can save $300 and get as nice of a stone (or spend the entire amount for something bigger and better), that will make the setting even nicer. Is the cost savings of not seeing the diamond online worth it? Any other thoughts? I'm a bit hesitant to buy a stone online, sight unseen, but perhaps you can convince me that it's not that big of a deal.
Thanks in advance for helping out. I appreciate your expertise.
Echoing the remarks of many others who are also new to this resource, thanks for all of the great information you've contributed to this site...I've spent the past couple weeks simply digesting, and now I'm ready to move forward.
I'm early into my search for a loose stone (to be set into the perfect halo engagement setting that I'll find later) and I've got a budget (max) of $2000 for the stone. I found a non-certified .64, VG, H, Si1 priced at $1980 at my local (reputable, non-mall) jeweler, and they won't haggle at all (absolutely not, they say). I don't mind something without certification, and I've looked at enough stones locally to see how conservatively rated it is (I'd say it's an extremely good Si1, if not VS2), but unfortunately I don't have any of the other dimensions, measurements, etc. It's a really beautiful stone but fundamentally I'm curious if I need to keep looking. I really think it's pretty but then again, what do I know? Here are my requirements:
-At least H in color
-At least .64 in ct weight. Since I'll be putting it into a halo setting, the size isn't the most important. I'd rather buy something dazzling and small than big and dirty.
-Very good cut or better
-No visible inclusions to the naked eye
-Other suggestions?
I've found this, for example: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2618033.htm by using the PS search.
I'd like to shop locally if possible, but if I can save $300 and get as nice of a stone (or spend the entire amount for something bigger and better), that will make the setting even nicer. Is the cost savings of not seeing the diamond online worth it? Any other thoughts? I'm a bit hesitant to buy a stone online, sight unseen, but perhaps you can convince me that it's not that big of a deal.
Thanks in advance for helping out. I appreciate your expertise.