$23k stone budget, what would you do?

[mrb09]

Hi all,

Been lurking for a while now, and I really enjoy this site. I've learned tons of valuable info on this site, and I owe pricescope dearly for saving me from buying an "average stone". That being said, this has become a sickness...the pursuit of the perfect diamond...whatever that means to each of you.

I will be buying a RB stone within the next week. My budget 23k. My gf's objectives are sparkle and size. My objectives: make her happy and to buy a stone that I enjoy looking at on her finger. Setting is decided on, it's similar to the david yurman crossover, with a simple basket and cutdown pave on the bands. I've decided on Steven Kirsch to make it for me once I've purchased the stone.

So, fellow pricescopers, if you've got a moment, show me some stones that YOU personally like? I've been combing the usual suspects for months now, and have grown somewhat sick as I watch the increases, so Ive decided that now is the time to buy.

Thanks for the knowledge, and thank you for your valuable input and suggestions on buying a stone!

 

[OCgirl]

Sounds fun! I'll play. I prefer F/G/H colors (they are not as icy/cold as D/E; anything below H I can see the tint) and VS2/SI1 (eye-clean) clarity. Cut can't be compromised. With that said:

1.70 ct H VS2 $21k http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104051364008
2.00 ct I VS2 $21k (blue fluor should make color whiter) http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004
1.71 ct G VS2 $22k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2372483.htm
1.70 ct G VS2 $22k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2649042.htm

 

[slg47]

I would personally go with a ~1.7 ct G/H VS2. BUT if your GF's preferences are size then here are some larger options

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104044686001
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104044686004
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2119081.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351749.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1382094.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307908.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1382049.asp

 

[yssie]

23k just for the stone? or for the whole ring?

If just for the stone -

1.53 F VS2 H&A BGDSignature $22k http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047809011

1.56 G VS2 H&A ACA $22k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2618016.htm
1.7 H VS1 H&A ACA $23k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2618021.htm

I assume you would not go this route given her preferences, but to see what you can get -
1.05 D VVS2 H&A Infinity $23k http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=520

2.00 I VS2 H&A GOGSignature $23k http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8078/

2.20 I SI1 $22k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1382049.asp (request IS)
2.13 I VS2 $23k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1372030.asp (request IS)
2.31 I SI1 $24k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1380425.asp (request IS)



If we take out say 4k for the setting...

1.51 G VS2 ES $20k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-1181459.htm

2.05 I SI1 BGD Blue (Med) $20k http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104047808003
1.51 H VS2 H&A BGDSignature $17k http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047809014

1.65 I VS2 H&A Infinity $17k http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=823

1.7 G SI1 H&A GOGSignature $18k http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8314/


ETA - just saw the other responses - you've probably got some doubles now!

 

[skphotoimages]

I like this one
And the bank wire price is exactly 23k
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8078/

 

[TristanC]

Before I pushed myself to FCDs, I did the same search for the 'ultimate' round brilliant.

You might lose a tiny bit of size, but personally I love the Solasferas on Good old Gold. They have nothing in your budget range (their on hand inventory is too small), but if you ask, I'm sure they can get a bigger one for you.

Have you seen the videos on Solasferas?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like this one
And the bank wire price is exactly 23k
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8078/

I'd choose this if she doesn't mind warmth.

I personally wouldn't go below H in an AGS graded stone if it was for me. So here are some nice G-H color stones @ 1.7 cts:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2632198.htm (my choice if you could go just a little over)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104051364008

 

[mrb09]

Thank you for all the feedback. It's very interesting to see how different peoples' sweet spots for diamonds are.

TristanC-I have seen the solasfera, and it is beautiful. However, I'm leaning towards traditional.

I think my tolerance for color lies right around the high I, H range. But, I'm going to have a look at some f-g side by side to check my logic! From what I've gathered, AGS may slightly looser on color but slightly tighter on clarity. Hope to see some stones by Friday and post a full report!