a few questions that i''m sure you''ve heard before

[tjyoung]

I''m new here on PS, so forgive me if these questions have all be asked a million times before. 1.) which online vendors have the best reputation here on PS? 2.) know Cut first then color, then clarity, then carat for a quality diamond. But, how much does symmetry and polish play on the beauty of a diamond? 3.) Where would you recommend I get a diamond if my budget is 4k? 4.) Would you opt for a perfect stone that was a little smaller or get one of less quality thats bigger? Thanks for the help.

-Travis

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

1) The best online vendors that I have seen here on PS are GoodOldGold (my favorite), Whiteflash, NiceIce, JamesAllen, and EngagementRingsDirect. There are probably others.

2) Symmetry and polish figure very little into the beauty of a diamond, if cut is ideal or very good. But I have heard to stay with at least a polish/symmetry rating of "good".

3) What shape diamond do you want? Here is a .82 ct. I/VS2 Round from GOG priced at $3536 as an example. That leaves room for a nice setting. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4721/

By contrast, here is a .96 ct. K/SI2 priced at $3565. Larger but lower color/clarity, but nice cut. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4536/

Here is a .91 ct. I/SI1 from Whiteflash just to compare: http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1148664.htm

Fancy shapes like ovals are less expensive per-carat wise, but face up smaller, so there is a trade off.

Regarding size vs. quality, you have to glean that info from your GF, but most girls that I know prefer size over quality, provided that the cut is still excellent and there are no visible inclusions. Hope that helps!

 

[swingirl]

Welcome. You have found a website with a wealth of information. You probably need to poke around on the threads as well as check out RESOURCES, TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE for a start. There are a number of vendors that have many satisfied customers.

No such thing as a perfect stone but cut is king here. Color and clarity are personal preferences.

Just to give you an idea of what your budget might buy here''s a link to a stone.

0.82ct I VS2 Round

 

[rcrosier]

Date: 7/26/2008 10:48:22 PM
Author:tjyoung
I''m new here on PS, so forgive me if these questions have all be asked a million times before. 1.) which online vendors have the best reputation here on PS? 2.) know Cut first then color, then clarity, then carat for a quality diamond. But, how much does symmetry and polish play on the beauty of a diamond? 3.) Where would you recommend I get a diamond if my budget is 4k? 4.) Would you opt for a perfect stone that was a little smaller or get one of less quality thats bigger? Thanks for the help.

-Travis

Since you asked, personally I like this order of the 4 Cs:

1.) Cut
2.) Carat
2.5) Clarity
2.6) Color

The gap of importance between cut and carat is big. However, I think clarity and color are of interchangeable importance, depending more on the individual than cut and carat. Some people may put carat, but I feel that size is the most easily recognized of all of the 4 Cs. Some people can''t tell a good cut from a bad. Even fewer can see clarity and color. But everyone knows that big is big, so be careful about putting it at the bottom of the list!

 

[tjyoung]

Wow, I was expecting to wait a day or two to get a response. Not a few hours! Thank you all for your imput. I''ll be sure to post some potentials to get your opinions on them. Thanks again!

 

[jcrow]

Date: 7/26/2008 10:48:22 PM
Author:tjyoung
I''m new here on PS, so forgive me if these questions have all be asked a million times before. 1.) which online vendors have the best reputation here on PS? 2.) know Cut first then color, then clarity, then carat for a quality diamond. But, how much does symmetry and polish play on the beauty of a diamond? 3.) Where would you recommend I get a diamond if my budget is 4k? 4.) Would you opt for a perfect stone that was a little smaller or get one of less quality thats bigger? Thanks for the help.

-Travis

i think you''re #2 might be personal preference. i prefer cut, clarity and color as an order. however, i do have a J SI2 stone. the inclusions aren''t in a terrible spot, therefore not really noticeable. plus, a higher quality cut allows for a lower color that still faces up pretty white. #4 question: it depends on your idea of perfect. i think at this point, you need to see well cut diamonds in person. then you''ll be able to tell what your eye really enjoys as far as color/clarity.