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.96 VS1/I Triple Ex

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MikesRock

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Messages
9
Hello everyone,

I've spend the last 36 hours searching and reading this site and have learned so much, so thank you to this forum for that!

However, I need some personal input.

I've been looking for a diamond for my upcoming engagement and have really been trying to shop around, get an idea of prices, and learn on the way.

So, first, the setting I know Im getting is a Coast Halo Fishtail Style. This is the one my girlfriend loves.

Here's a pic - http://www.iannellidiamonds.com/images/D.cache.dpthmbn/125.jpg Those two side stones are included in the band. They are G/H VS2-SI2 diamonds with a total ct weight of .45. 14K white gold. That band is $1800.

With about $6000 left in my budget for a nice center stone, I've been shopping both at local stores and on BN to see what $6000 can get me. I'd really prefer to get the diamond at the same place I get the setting and have it mounted, etc....just to avoid any headaches.

So what I found was a .96 VS1 I-color Triple Ex diamond for $6100. This was at a well known Jeweler's Row (Philly) shop that has the setting. I put a small deposit on it 2 days ago, but I dont think Im obligated to purchase it at this point.

Here's the GIA: https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=1136656587&weight=.96#

The stone was very nice and looked great in the setting, but of course to a novice like me they all are. However, thru reading and research I'm starting to worry about that I color, which I fear will bother me forever, even though I read that GIA I's are top white. Im also thinking now that a VS1/I is a strange combo.

At this point, Im tempted to go back and look for something thats maybe VS2 (or even an eye clean SI1) with a better color to keep it my price range.

Or maybe you'll all tell me the diamond is fine and I shouldnt worry about it.

I dont want to mess this up. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
I think the numbers on the stone look promising. I don't see why I VS1 is a strange combo, especially if you like the stone in person and have compared it against other well cut stones. My SO actually prefers stones in the H/I range as it gives the stone a bit more colored light return without showing a noticeable tint from the side. You can certainly find eye clean VS2/SI1 stones, but they may not be mind clean enough for you. It's also relatively difficult to find well cut 0.9-0.99ct stones.
 
Cut looks awesome, price is very good, the size is great and hard to find -- will look just like a 1ct.

VS1 does not affect price as much in the I/J color range as it does in the G-H range, so you might not get as much as you want dropping to VS2. Look and see.

Color... cant say if it will bother you or not. Tiffany now carries I color diamonds, and if it's good enough for Tiffany then it is good enough for me ;))

I suggest you go to a Jared in person and see some Peerless I color stones (AGS0), or a Tiffany, or a Heart's on Fire. Look at the ring in lots of different lighting.

If you are not a diamond collector or have a family with pre-conseived notions about color, "I" will likely be just fine! Most people don't know crap about color anyways. And you will likely not see any tint unless you compare it directly to a more colorless stone. That said in the mount you have chosen, body tint will be more apparent than in a simple solitaire. If you worry, then try to get an H color at least. In a mount like you have chosen, a smaller diamond will look *exactly* the same. You can drop into the 80 point range and still fit it into you budget.
 
The stone you linked looks great!
 
thanks for the replies so far

I went back down there today and took another look at it. Spend almost another hour looking at it in a bunch of different lights. E

I also compared it against some triple ex G's & H's

Honestly, I couldnt see spending another $1000+ on the upgrade.

The 3 diamonds in the setting were pretty darn close, top view

one nice thing about this setting in my case it hides alot of the pavilion. You can really only see the crown and table over the halo.

Of course I could see the difference between the G & I face down on a diamond card, but even then a $1000+ upgrade seemed not worth it.

I decided to keep what I have, I think its a good stone. Jeweler seemed honest enough and said for every 10 diamonds he buys, 1 may be like this.

I'd still love to hear some input, but I feel alot better about what I bought.
 
It is not common to have a diamond just under a carat, so you are very fortunate in that regard! The price jumps up at 1 ct. so you are getting the look of a carat for a lower price. I can't find any good price comps, though. Do you want to tell us what they are asking just to be sure you aren't overpaying?
 
$6100 for the stone
 
That sounds very good! I think you are getting a good deal because 1 carat I VS1's are running $8500! (Ugh, and I am sorry...I saw that you said the price in the very first post.)
 
The ring is finally here!

it looks amazing IMO, very happy with it. Thanks for all your replies!

ring_62.jpg
 
Love that setting :love: Come back with handshots:)
 
It is gorgeous, Mike!!! :love: :love: :love: You did great!!! :appl: Congrats!!!
 
stunning! I love it! You need to start a thread in the show me the bling forum!!
 
Gorgeous combo, and it looks great on her :love:
 
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