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$27k to spend - which one of these Round Brilliants?

A

acurrey3

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
14
Hello. I'm looking for a Round Brilliant. I've read a number of threads and am EXTREMELY familiar with cushion cut stones, but know little to nothing about Round Brilliants.

I'm looking for a 2.5ct RB. My budget is in the $25-$27k range. And, I know the SO prefers SIZE over color and clarity. So, I think that leaves me with an I/VS2? Although I would prefer an H/VS1, I'll settle as long as whatever I get is extremely eye clean.

And, my MAIN priority in buying a stone is one that is cut well and will shine!

So, I've been running some searches and have come across these two on James Allen which see to fit my specs:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1429294.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1433293.asp

To be honest, I can't tell which is better? Or what specifically to look for?

Should I definitely go with NO Flour?

And, unlike cushions does Polish and Sym really matter?

What I do know is I thought that by going GIA Clarity VS2 that I would be getting something definitely eye clean. But this stone which is priced HIGHER than the other two appears to have a giant inclusion right in the middle of the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390034.asp
 
Actually, here is a great deal on a great diamond! You'd just get a little more size for your money!

It is being sold by a PriceScope member but I need to search for their post on the pre-loved forum.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/27816/26-ct-AGS-000-Round-I-Color-VS2-Clarity.html

Here is his post. Not sure whether it is still available or not, but you can contact him through the DB listing.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-6-ct-ags-triple-000-ideal-round-i-vs2-t173723.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-6-ct-ags-triple-000-ideal-round-i-vs2-t173723.html[/URL]
 
Thanks, DiamondSeeker. I msged the PS seller but no response. Looks like stone has likely been sold.

The 2.412 I SI1 on WF is definitely interesting, how concerned should I be about an SI1 in a RB?

And, I'm not that familiar with Hearts & Arrows or Super Ideal? How much of a difference does it make in the appearance of the stone? I know she prefers size as a first priority. But if the super ideal looks MUCH better to the naked eye, she might forgive me going down to a "smaller" size for it.
 
Ok. I have read a number of diamond tutorials, posts, etc. on RB diamonds, but am still mystified.

As I mentioned, I am looking for a 2.5 ct RB. My budget is $25-$28k.

(1) What is the Right Color & Clarity for Me?

Initially, I thought I would have to go with a H/I VS2. But after doing some reading on PS, it seems that most people recommend a higher color (i.e. G?) with an SI1 clarity with the claim that most people will definitely be able to tell the difference between an F and I color, but not between an IF and an SI1? Above all I want to make 100% absolutely sure there are no visible inclusions to the naked eye, especially looking down on the table. So is it advised that I stick with a VS2 (I'm aware that even a VS2 can be NOT eye clean) and go with the higher color?

(2) How to pick a stunning RB from a PS vendor?

I've read all about Hearts & Arrows and AGS 000/GIA XXX. While they sound like beautiful stones, I have a feeling my SO wouldn't really know the difference, so I'd be paying a large premium for a smaller stone that wouldn't matter. That being said, I want to make sure I find a stone that DOES have great presence w/o the branded premium. So what should I be looking for? What's the next step down?

And what qualities in a RB should I require as a minimum to weed out those with lesser performance? A certain HCA score? Certain ratings for Cut, Polish or Sym?

Above all links to any prospective stones would be great. Before I reach out to any PS vendors, I want to make sure I have a few options so that I work with the vendor that has the best stones suited to what I'm looking for.
 
As far as color and clarity go, you'll get a LOT of different answers. I personally would want VS2 or higher especially in a larger stone where it might be easier to see the inclusions close up and even with a loupe. I am pretty sure that Garry Holloway has recommended VS for larger stones if you want 100% eyeclean. But, I also like G-H color. So if you gave me the choice of a G SI1, H VS2, H SI1, or I VS2, I would choose H VS2 because all of the others go below my comfort level on color or clarity. But you have to decide that for yourself.

As to cut, I would not be trying to get super-ideal if you require 2.5 cts and the budget is $27k. You are going to have to make sacrifices and that is an easy one to make. I'd suggest WF Expert Selection or Premium Select, Good Old Gold Premium cuts, and Brian Gavin Blues. I'll take a look and see what I can find. I'd want GIA Excellent cut with very good or excellent polish and excellent symmetry OR AGS Ideal cut or excellent cut with ideal light performance and symmetry and excellent polish.
 
I have an extremely interesting story about a PS vendor. But I will wait until the situation plays out before I say anything.

In the interim, I'm still searching for a 2.5 ct RB in the H/I, VS1/VS2 range for up to $27k.

I came across this stone as an alternative, can anyone provide me with some feedback.

For your reference it is an I SI1 H&A and has an HCA of 1.9:

01_3.jpg
02_2.jpg
03_2.jpg
04_3.jpg
 
I wanted to also mention, though not necessary, that this is an AGS 000 stone.
 
That's a really pretty stone. Even though its an SI1 I cant really see anything in it. Can't go wrong with an AGS000 .


Edit - those other 2 stones are SI1s but you don't have any pics so don't know how eye clean they are.
 
plot_0.jpg

Here's a copy of the plot. Can anyone confirm that this stone is a winner/no issues?

I am planning on buying in the next 24 hours. Lastly, in my budget range, should I be looking at a 2.5 I SI1 or more of a I VS2?
 
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