$30,000 budget for Round Solitaire - please help!

[Dolphin22]

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading the forums and using the tools for a while and my boyfriend and I are ready to buy my diamond. We have looked at a lot of places and almost got duped into buying a really poor quality stone for way too much money but luckily pricescope saved us. I am exhausted with the search and in dealing with all the tricks less honest sellers use to try and unload a poor diamond on to us. I am hoping you can all please lead us in the right direction so we can finally just buy something!

Here is my criteria - Something 2.5-3.0, round brilliant solitaire. I have tried on HOF diamonds and was really impressed with their sparkle but have read here how they are overpriced. I am willing to sacrifice on color and clarity but I want it to be really well cut so it's not just a big diamond, but big and beautiful (if that makes sense). I plan on setting it in a plain, platinum 6-prong Tiffany style setting.

In the 3.0 range I have found a lot of I or J, SI1 diamonds - that fall within our budget but I am not sure if that's the best way to go.

Please let me know if you think what I am asking for is possible or if our budget would need to be increased. Thank you in advance for any and all help!

 

[canvasback]

That's an amazing budget for a stone. Though, it's going to be difficult to get a branded stone (a great, but not the only option if you want the best of the best cut) without having to sacrifice something...

If you could drop down just a bit under 2.5 ct...you can probably get the best of the best... if that's even an option

With a stone that big inclusions are often easier to see. Especially in that SI 1 range. Also, body color becomes more apparent. If you're color sensitive at all, I recommend going with a H color or above.

Here's some I found... though all less than 2.5ct

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215927.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.311-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104063637005

http://highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1265

 

[Dolphin22]

Thank you for your response. I have been viewing diamonds in the I or J range so I guess I am not color sensitive as stones in those ranges are what fit in the budget and still are at or around the 3 carat mark.

I guess what I wanted more help determining is if size matters - is it worth getting an excellent cut stone at a lower color and/or clarity?

 

[Andelain]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3097225.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3137122.htm

 

[Dolphin22]

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6188005-3.02-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=6188005&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Is the difference between the link above vs the links you provided that this 3 carat does not have hearts and arrows?

 

[canvasback]

I guess what I wanted more help determining is if size matters - is it worth getting an excellent cut stone at a lower color and/or clarity?

Of course size matters!


Unfortunately, only you can answer those questions. It sounds like you're content with a lower color and anything that is eye clean. Let me keep looking!

 

[canvasback]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215928.htm Large crystal under table. Need to check if eye clean

 

[momhappy]

That's an amazing budget for a stone. Though, it's going to be difficult to get a branded stone (a great, but not the only option if you want the best of the best cut) without having to sacrifice something...

If you could drop down just a bit under 2.5 ct...you can probably get the best of the best... if that's even an option

With a stone that big inclusions are often easier to see. Especially in that SI 1 range. Also, body color becomes more apparent. If you're color sensitive at all, I recommend going with a H color or above.

Here's some I found... though all less than 2.5ct

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215927.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.311-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104063637005

http://highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1265

I agree - personally, I'd search in the 2.5 range - if you're wanting a big and beautiful diamond, that's probably your best bet.

 

[mcblohe]

Hi!

What about this preloved 3.02ct J SI1 GIA triple Ex RB diamond...?
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/for-sale-3-02-rb-j-si1-gia-triple-ex-0-6-hca-spready-t204672.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/for-sale-3-02-rb-j-si1-gia-triple-ex-0-6-hca-spready-t204672.html[/URL]

 

[canvasback]

Hi!

What about this preloved 3.02ct J SI1 GIA triple Ex RB diamond...?
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/for-sale-3-02-rb-j-si1-gia-triple-ex-0-6-hca-spready-t204672.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/for-sale-3-02-rb-j-si1-gia-triple-ex-0-6-hca-spready-t204672.html[/URL]

 

[dawnxcui]

does it have to be a RB cut?
what about OEC?
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/3-01-ct-and-up/3-89ct-old-european-cut-diamond-o-p-color-vs-clarity.html#.VDdHW_ldXY0

here's a tranny:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/3-01-ct-and-up/3-04ct-transitional-cut-diamond-gia-l-vvs1.html#.VDdH0vldXY0

 

[Dolphin22]

I will have to read up on OEC cuts, I thought RB cut is "classic and timeless" so that's why I picked that style.

For the preloved 3.02ct J SI1 GIA triple Ex RB diamond - how do I know if this is a good price?

Also, from this site I know a HCA score of under 2 is a tool to sort diamonds however what is the relationship between a HCA score of under 2 and hearts and arrows? Am I correct that just because a diamond scores under 2, it doesn't necessary mean it has hearts and arrows?

Thank you everyone!

 

[Gypsy]

What does you lady want? What does she like?

 

[RandG]

Dolphin: Are you open to a pre-loved Tiffany piece? You have the budget to get exactly what you want.

 

[emmebee]

I will have to read up on OEC cuts, I thought RB cut is "classic and timeless" so that's why I picked that style.

For the preloved 3.02ct J SI1 GIA triple Ex RB diamond - how do I know if this is a good price?

Also, from this site I know a HCA score of under 2 is a tool to sort diamonds however what is the relationship between a HCA score of under 2 and hearts and arrows? Am I correct that just because a diamond scores under 2, it doesn't necessary mean it has hearts and arrows?

Thank you everyone!

Yep, correct. Just because the diamond scores under 2, that does not mean it has H&A. There is no relation between the HCA and hearts and arrows.

 

[lesliek]

I have a RB 2.91 J SI1... I love it!! We did go for a Triple X stone with slight florescence to get the best of both worlds. I think she faces up pretty white (melee in the setting are G colored diamonds) and the sparkle is amazing! Happy shopping.



Oh and total for diamond & setting was about $35k.

 

[Dolphin22]

Dolphin: Are you open to a pre-loved Tiffany piece? You have the budget to get exactly what you want.

I would be open to a pre-loved Tiffany piece.

LeslieK, your ring is amazing! It is making me reconsider the plain solitaire setting. Is your setting a halo? Did you buy the diamond and the setting together? It is really stunning and looks great!

Thank you again everyone for your time and help.

 

[RandG]

Beladora is the retail arm of a well known, and trusted purveyor of very high end, estate jewelry located in Bev Hills. They are easy to work with and have one of the most generous inspection/return policies in the market today. If asked, they can send you the paperwork and provide additional photos and video. This is an ideal (hard to find) carat weight, but check the mm size on the cert to make sure its big enough for you.

Tiffany is meticulous about choosing their cuts and in my experience, their internal grading is on the conservative side. If this piece comes with all its original paperwork, I might offer in the range of $30K (10K per carat plus the mounting which trades at a premium). It's a fair offer and if you can pay via wire, they may go for it. For a slight fee of around $200, you can re-register the piece as its owner and use Tiffany for sizing and servicing in the future. With the long return policy, you have plenty of time to take it to a trusted appraiser in your area, if you feel its necessary. I think this could be a good value for the money and if you love the Tiffany look, its a sure thing

http://www.beladora.com/store/505425_tiffany_and_co_diamond_solitaire_engagement_ring_in_platinum

 

[lesliek]

LeslieK, your ring is amazing! It is making me reconsider the plain solitaire setting. Is your setting a halo? Did you buy the diamond and the setting together? It is really stunning and looks great!

Thank you again everyone for your time and help.

I haven't stopped staring at my ring since I got it! We bought a loose diamond that fit exactly what we were looking for... when you're going for size you have to be willing to compromise a bit on color and/or clarity if you have a budget. My diamond is eye clean, I do not see a thing and honestly I love the warm vanilla-ish color my ring has in some lighting. You can see more pics here: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/10yr-anniversary-gift-my-ring-upgrade.206677/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/10yr-anniversary-gift-my-ring-upgrade.206677/[/URL]

I have a custom cushion halo setting from Michael K. Go look at his stuff, it's beautiful. It's basically another carat in the setting. It's 18k white gold. I had platinum previously (this was a 10yr anniversary upgrade) and I'm so pleased with the switch.

And honestly Dolphin22... if and when I get sick of the halo (altho I'm currently OBSESSED) I still have a very nice sized diamond to put in a solitaire or do something else with. This setting basically makes my ring "look like 5 carats and has a WOAH effect!" Those were my jewelers words A solitaire is timeless tho!

 

[Travelgal]

Erica also has this diamond.

www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-51ct-round-brilliant-bgd-blue-ags000-j-si1.html#.VDgxjNq9KK0

It's significantly under your budget so you could opt for a hand forged halo. She's also got a stone of similar size that's a G color for $28k, but you don't sound like you are color sensitive.

 

[Mayk]

Erica also has this diamond.

www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-51ct-round-brilliant-bgd-blue-ags000-j-si1.html#.VDgxjNq9KK0

It's significantly under your budget so you could opt for a hand forged halo. She's also got a stone of similar size that's a G color for $28k, but you don't sound like you are color sensitive.

I think she meant Grace... At Jewels by Grace... That Diamond is a stunner! Makes me want to upgrade! Being partial to BGB helps too! I love mine and it also came from Grace.

 

[Dolphin22]

Erica also has this diamond.

www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-51ct-round-brilliant-bgd-blue-ags000-j-si1.html#.VDgxjNq9KK0

It's significantly under your budget so you could opt for a hand forged halo. She's also got a stone of similar size that's a G color for $28k, but you don't sound like you are color sensitive.

This is a wonderful option, thank you for the link!

I also asked for more information on the Tiffany ring RandG posted because of the service that comes with a Tiffany ring.

I still think the 3ct posted above is an excellent deal as well, so we have some options.

After seeing the halo posted, I may just find the diamond and then have a Michael M setting made. With that said, I'm open to preloved as I can always have it reset later.

You are all so helpful and knowledgeable, not to mention everyone has amazing taste. I can't thank you enough, I should post a picture of what we almost bought so other people know to come to pricescope first!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Erica also has this diamond.

www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-51ct-round-brilliant-bgd-blue-ags000-j-si1.html#.VDgxjNq9KK0

It's significantly under your budget so you could opt for a hand forged halo. She's also got a stone of similar size that's a G color for $28k, but you don't sound like you are color sensitive.

That's a nice stone if the OP don't mind going for the J color.

 

[Dolphin22]

Does anyone recommend contacting Usacertified to see what Martin can find?

 

[msop04]

I also asked for more information on the Tiffany ring RandG posted because of the service that comes with a Tiffany

Dolphin22, you have an AMAZING budget -- CONGRATS! Just curious about what you mean by "service" with Tiffany? Other than ring cleanings and inspection, I wasn't aware of anything they offered that every other jeweler didn't offer... without the premium. LOL

With your budget, I'd shoot for something >9mm. I have a spready 60/60-ish stone that's 8.7mm at 2.43 ct, so you might wanna search by spread and not just by weight -- since that's what you'll see, after all!

So excited to see the massive rock you pick!!

 

[baby monster]

You have a great budget and should be able to get close to 3ct in J/SI2. I would reach out to Luann at ID Jewelry and see what she can find for you. IDJ is a great vendor.

 

[Dolphin22]

Any thoughts on this diamond from id jewelry...

http://idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=54753133&shape=B&pricefrom=0&priceto=500000&caratfrom=2.5&caratto=10.00&colorfrom=D&colorto=J&clarfrom=IF&clarto=I1&polish=EX&cert=Any&symmetry=ANY&depthfrom=&depthto=&tablefrom=&tableto=&cut=Array&item_id=

 

[baby monster]

The cert doesn't open for me. If you like this stone, reach out to them to get more information and idealscope. They also have access to other stones not listed on their site. Just give them your budget and specs.