~$2500 budget... how to best balance?

[RedLightning]

Hey guys,

I'm working with a $2500 budget and would like to maximize the value I can get out of it for my girl's e-ring. It seems that there are two directions I can take:

Compromise a bit on the clarity/colour and maximize size. For example, this stone from JA looks promising:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1354966.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
(0.79 I SI1, 2.4 HCA)

Or, go a bit better (stick with G/VS2-ish) and be happy with 0.6x-ish sizes.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2270366.htm (0.621 ct E VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond 1.5 HCA)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2192325.htm (0.624 ct G VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond 1.4 HCA)

Given they are all in the same price range, what would be more appropriate? I can see pros and cons for both options...

 

[JulieN]

I SI is a great place to be.

 

[WinkHPD]

Hey guys,

I'm working with a $2500 budget and would like to maximize the value I can get out of it for my girl's e-ring. It seems that there are two directions I can take:

Compromise a bit on the clarity/colour and maximize size. For example, this stone from JA looks promising:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1354966.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
(0.79 I SI1, 2.4 HCA)

Or, go a bit better (stick with G/VS2-ish) and be happy with 0.6x-ish sizes.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2270366.htm (0.621 ct E VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond 1.5 HCA)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2192325.htm (0.624 ct G VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond 1.4 HCA)

Given they are all in the same price range, what would be more appropriate? I can see pros and cons for both options...

I am not allowed to comment on a competitor's diamonds, so I will not. However, let me say that all of the vendors here work very closely so the value on one stone will be similar to the value on another, especially when comparring stones from the same vendor.

You probably need to go look at some diamonds locally and find out what your eye likes. Do you want a smaller size with better paper because that paper makes you feel better about the diamond, or do you want a larger stone with not as good paper because the larger stone makes your eyes happier?

These are questions that we can not answer for you. You will need to look at more than one stone and see what makes you happiest, then go forward from there.

There are many choices you can make, but they need to be YOUR choices.

Wink

 

[Dancing Fire]

if it was me...i'll spent $2,000 on a well cut G-H SI1 stone and $500 on the setting.