5k Budget with ring

[youra6]

Hi all,

My budget is around 5K with the ring included. I want to get close to 1 carat as possible. Cut is important to me. Clarity is probably least important.

I found this one, and I'm not sure why its priced so low. Good cut, decent color, No florescence either.

www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-00-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-3VQP0F

Any suggestions/input are welcomed.

 

[Deez]

It's priced low because it has poor light performance (as per HCA), has symmetry flaws, and may even have enough inclusions that are worrisome as to the diamonds durability.

Based on your priorities - size and cut - you can likely find better for your budget. Try going a bit lower on the color scale and find a better cut.

 

[Deez]

That being said, I'm not as experienced as some of the folks on here. So....

 

[youra6]

It's priced low because it has poor light performance (as per HCA), has symmetry flaws, and may even have enough inclusions that are worrisome as to the diamonds durability.

Based on your priorities - size and cut - you can likely find better for your budget. Try going a bit lower on the color scale and find a better cut.

Thank you. Can you point to me to where it says (or shows) that?

 

[Deez]

At first glance, this is a better option for about the same money.

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD04168536

There are people here who will recommend other vendors, for good reason, but this is just to show that you can get a better stone for that same amount of money.

 

[Deez]

It's priced low because it has poor light performance (as per HCA), has symmetry flaws, and may even have enough inclusions that are worrisome as to the diamonds durability.

Based on your priorities - size and cut - you can likely find better for your budget. Try going a bit lower on the color scale and find a better cut.

Thank you. Can you point to me to where it says (or shows) that?

I'm going off of the measurements, and using the HCA tool that you can find on this site. The knots, cavities, and indents don't inspire much confidence either.

Try searching these forums to educate yourself on truly desirable cut parameters, light performance, etc.

 

[youra6]

It's priced low because it has poor light performance (as per HCA), has symmetry flaws, and may even have enough inclusions that are worrisome as to the diamonds durability.

Based on your priorities - size and cut - you can likely find better for your budget. Try going a bit lower on the color scale and find a better cut.

Thank you. Can you point to me to where it says (or shows) that?

I'm going off of the measurements, and using the HCA tool that you can find on this site. The knots, cavities, and indents don't inspire much confidence either.

Try searching these forums to educate yourself on truly desirable cut parameters, light performance, etc.

Looks like I am more clueless than I had previously thought. :p

 

[Deez]

I'm no expert. I'm just you with about 30+ hours of studying the information found on these forums. Take your time - you'll end up with a much finer stone because of it.

I'm sure the real gurus here will weigh in with more advice and suggestion.

 

[Gypsy]

It's not good cut. The stone is steep and deep and the performance will be compromised. Performance impacts pricing. Basically, it's not a good stone, and so it is nice and cheap.

GIA Ex is VERY broad. It contains many poorly performing stones.


The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only. EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile or Ritani, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[Gypsy]

Also fluorescence for you is a good thing. Only a very small percentage of stones display negative effects from fluorescence, which means that the price break it gives you is your friend. And a good vendor can tell if the stone you are looking at is overblue or not.

 

[Gypsy]

This is lovely . http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5177819-0.90-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=5177819&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com B2C will tell you if it is overblue (unlikely with medium blue). Also ask if it is eyeclean.

Also nice: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5328703-0.91-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS1-Clarity.aspx?sku=5328703&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com Ask for an idealscope. Ask about the fluorescence. It is eyeclean.

You are much better off with a 90 point stone with great performance than a 1 carat stone with compromised performance.

 

[youra6]

Thank you guys, this really helps.

I'm perfectly fine with a better and smaller stone that isn't "compromised". When it comes to cut, the words "ideal", "very good" doesn't do much to describe how well it is cut.

I saw it was a ideal cut diamond so I assumed it was good. Thank you for the suggestions and keep them coming!

 

[Deez]

This is a helpful website for visualizing diamond sizes, comparisons etc.

**edited by moderator, no affiliate linked websites please**

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

 

[RockyRacoon]

Stretch your budget a LITTLE bit for one of these two options:

.835ct, H, VVS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.835-h-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-11511

with
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

OR

.807ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930362.htm

with
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

 

[youra6]

Stretch your budget a LITTLE bit for one of these two options:

.835ct, H, VVS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.835-h-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-11511

with
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

OR

.807ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930362.htm

with
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

Those do look nice, however I want to try to stay in the .9 to 1 carat range.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Stretch your budget a LITTLE bit for one of these two options:

.835ct, H, VVS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.835-h-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-11511

with
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

OR

.807ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930362.htm

with
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

Those do look nice, however I want to try to stay in the .9 to 1 carat range.

The .835ct I had posted would be almost indistinguishable from a .9ct stone. We're talking less than 1 sheet of copy paper in the diameter difference.

If you must stay above .9ct, go with this option:
.90ct, H, SI2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11531/

You may also want to consider an August Vintage stone:
.93ct, K, VVS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12316/

 

[Niel]

Stretch your budget a LITTLE bit for one of these two options:

.835ct, H, VVS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.835-h-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-11511

with
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

OR

.807ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930362.htm

with
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

Those do look nice, however I want to try to stay in the .9 to 1 carat range.

The .835ct I had posted would be almost indistinguishable from a .9ct stone. We're talking less than 1 sheet of copy paper in the diameter difference.

If you must stay above .9ct, go with this option:
.90ct, H, SI2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11531/

You may also want to consider an August Vintage stone:
.93ct, K, VVS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12316/

I agree he should stay above .9. One, he can get one in his price range, and two, I have a .84 ct and its clearly not a ct on the hand. Every bit helps when you want it to look like a 1 ct stone

 

[FireMonkey]

This gentleman started w/ a budget slightly more modest than yours, and was able to put together a showstopping ring for his girl. There's lots of good info in the thread that may be helpful to you as well:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-perfect-ring-on-a-modest-budget-help-please.203380/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-perfect-ring-on-a-modest-budget-help-please.203380/[/URL]

 

[youra6]

This gentleman started w/ a budget slightly more modest than yours, and was able to put together a showstopping ring for his girl. There's lots of good info in the thread that may be helpful to you as well:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-perfect-ring-on-a-modest-budget-help-please.203380/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-perfect-ring-on-a-modest-budget-help-please.203380/[/URL]

I've read all of your responses, now I'm wondering if there is a way to multi-quote. Anyhow, I'm thankful for all your help.

 

[youra6]

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5177819-0.90-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=5177819&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

is sold out... Bought it today and later b2c cancelled.

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

 

[youra6]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

 

[youra6]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be on her birthday, it was just an explanation of why I chose that one over all the others. Her finger size is a 7.5

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be on her birthday, it was just an explanation of why I chose that one over all the others. Her finger size is a 7.5

Does she just want a solitaire? does she want diamonds in the band too?

 

[youra6]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be on her birthday, it was just an explanation of why I chose that one over all the others. Her finger size is a 7.5

Does she just want a solitaire? does she want diamonds in the band too?

Nope just a center stone.

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be on her birthday, it was just an explanation of why I chose that one over all the others. Her finger size is a 7.5

Does she just want a solitaire? does she want diamonds in the band too?

Nope just a center stone.

you just need the diamond you don't need a ring too? or do you mean she just wants a simple solitaire with nothing fancy? Sorry i know lots of questions, i just don't want to waste your time showing you things you don't need.

 

[youra6]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293431


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Is there a reason you're not interested in this? The stone is priced at such you could even afford a pave band if she preferred it

That was my second choice actually. The diamond isn't available until the 21st, and my significant other's birthday is on the 22nd. And I would REALLY like to propose to her on her birthday.

OK, so we need a ring in a week? Thatll exclude most places I think,but let me see what I can find! What's her finger size?

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be on her birthday, it was just an explanation of why I chose that one over all the others. Her finger size is a 7.5

Does she just want a solitaire? does she want diamonds in the band too?

Nope just a center stone.

you just need the diamond you don't need a ring too? or do you mean she just wants a simple solitaire with nothing fancy? Sorry i know lots of questions, i just don't want to waste your time showing you things you don't need.

No worries! I should have mentioned this in my OP.

I would like a round cut diamond and a band as well. I want to keep the band price under 400 so I can allot more money towards the diamond.

 

[Niel]

OH!
This says if ordered in the next 5 hours that this stone could be to you by the 20th. Id talk to someone and make sure, but. I know you didn't want fluor, but this is just medium, so it won't have the issue of over blueing, and it is part of the reason its priced at what it is, plus, it makes it look whiter! I don't think you should exclude med flour, especially if it means you can reach all your requirements AND your timeline.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04742050?keyword_search_value=LD04742050


I like these, if your going for classic, they have a nice bezel and semi bezel one in your range too, but those might not be your(her) style.

This is my fave of the two posted
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_20403?elem=img&track=product


http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/nouveau-knife-edge-engagement-ring_38921?elem=img&track=product