Advice - 10-13k budget

[msop04]

OP, this is an example of how you can see the inclusion in a VS1 stone at 40x magnification, but I doubt you'd be able to see it IRL. It's a very nice stone and an AGS 0.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73556 $15,300 (7.32 x 7.37 mm)

This stone is a "60/60" stone, but scored a 1.4 on the HCA. It looks totally eye-clean, and a good deal.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-250586 $13,200 (7.43 x 7.45 mm)

Another one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-209336 $16,550, HCA 1.3 (7.42 x 7.44 mm)

 

[RL1085]

How can this diamond:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-148200

be over 21K? Compared with the G-VVS2 listed above at only 16k? Why the 5k price difference?


Thanks

 

[msop04]

How can this diamond:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-148200

be over 21K? Compared with the G-VVS2 listed above at only 16k? Why the 5k price difference?


Thanks

I honestly couldn't tell you, RL... I'd get the $16K one and call it a day.

I know I'd be pissed if I was the one who paid $21K when there was an all but identical stone out there for $5k less -- that's a VC halo setting!!

 

[RL1085]

No kiddin... the only thing I noticed is that the one for 16k had a GIA report from 2009, whereas the other one was much newer. Not sure it matters but thought it was interesting. You can also see a pretty big inclusion actually on that G VVS2 on the side (could be covered by the setting though) if you look on JA's rotate view.

I think I'm getting close... thanks for the recommendations

 

[kal2021]

To quote a previous poster: 1.7ct, H, VS2 (this is my personal 'sweet spot' in the color/clarity range, though everyone is different):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.700-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186017

I'm hoping you're the one who reserved this beauty! My diamond is H VS2 from BGD and it's perfection. I agree about it being a personal sweet spot.

 

[msop04]

No kiddin... the only thing I noticed is that the one for 16k had a GIA report from 2009, whereas the other one was much newer. Not sure it matters but thought it was interesting. You can also see a pretty big inclusion actually on that G VVS2 on the side (could be covered by the setting though) if you look on JA's rotate view.

I think I'm getting close... thanks for the recommendations

This is probably a stone that was traded in for an upgrade... it's probably not indicative of the stone's performance.
It is very interesting... a VVS2 will not have any "big inclusions" -- think about it... its a VVS clarity. You're seeing things on the super-duper magnified image -- there is no way anyone will see that with the unaided eye.

Edited for grammar.

 

[RL1085]

Went with the G/VVS2 more to come

 

[Acinom]

Went with the G/VVS2 more to come

Wow!!! Tell us more! And have you selected a setting yet?

 

[RL1085]

So I went with the G/VVS2 mentioned (THANKS for the recommendations!!) from JA. I then went to a local jeweler and had them set it in the french set cushion halo from Ritani... and ... it came out absolutely beautiful, see below

I can't stress enough to everyone here who helped me with this process how appreciative I am. I hope to pay it back tenfold helping others.





and most importantly ... she said yes

 

[smilligan]

It looks gorgeous! Seriously, great choice. Too many people buy engagement rings on impulse and end up regretting it later (not all), but I'd be willing to bet that that stone will outshine 99.9% of her friends.