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$20k Budget..Diamond comparison and input needed!

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Rino1313

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 27, 2011
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4
Hey PS,

Great website with some extremely useful information. Appreciate all the contributions! I've recently started a search for a round, 2+ ct diamond with a budget of $20k.

Requirements:
Round
2ct +
I or better color
SI1 (clean eye) or better clarity
Good cut (I know cut is everything, but I also want a diamond that will retain value for future trade up and will sacrifice cut for this)
GIA or AGS

All that said, I've found a couple of stones (specs below) that are both within my budget. My take is that stone #1 would certainly have the better appearance, fire and brilliance but stone #2 would better fit the script for investment value. What are your thoughts and what would be your best advice for me to consider when conducting this search? Also, both stones have strong blue fluorescence and I'm fine with the pros/cons (as is the future wife) but I'm concerned about secondary selling for trade up due to desirability (albeit I'm getting the discount on the purchase price):

Stone #1
$19.8k (could probably get for less)
GIA Certified
Round Brilliant
2.16 cts
I
VS2
Excellent cut, polish and symmetry
table 56%
depth 61.7%
crown angle 34.5
pavilion angle 40.8
HCA 1.3

Stone #2
$18k (no movement on price)
Round Brilliant
2.23 cts
G
SI1
Good cut, very good polish and symmetry
table 63%
depth 61.7%
crown angle 38
pavilion angle 41.8
HCA 5.6

I'm overly conservative with value when making large purchases (hence the consideration of trade up value).

Again, thanks for the help and looking forward to your input.
 
This is pretty easy! The first stone is excellent and the second one is bad! Don't even look at less than excellent cut if you want to trade up. Paying for excellent cut is not the same as paying for the top hearts and arrows stones. Those do carry a little price premium. Not to mention it is going to be a far more beautiful diamond! I don't know where your #1 is from, but some of the PriceScope diamond vendors do give 100% of purchase price toward trade-ins. Your price on #1 is good as it is, but it will be even better if you can get it for less!
 
if you are interested in tradeup I would go with a vendor who has a good tradeup policy (whatever 'good' means to you).

as far as the diamonds, definitely the 1st one.
 
Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I clearly missed the mark in going for a slightly better color over the cut!
 
Looks like a good option...I actually like this option better as there is no fluorescence assuming that the SI1 is eye clean. Do i have a legitimate concern here over the fluorescence or am I just over thinking this?
 
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