Advice on 3 diamonds, 2 carat range BGD and ERD

[alma123]

I wanted personal opinions on three diamonds I'm considering. All these have HCA scores in the 1.5 region and have 3 excellent and 1 very good (for spread).

I am comfortable with warmer colored stones and am considering this L.
1) http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.008-l-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104062571043
This diamond is eye-clean.

2) http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_details&gems_item_id=83703&first_step=diamond
This is $1000 cheaper but may not be eye-clean.

3) http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.81-carat-j-vs2-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-51938.html
This is eye-clean but 10% smaller than #2.

I will be able to see ERD rings in person.

 

[04diamond<3]

Loving the BGD one! It's gorgeous!!!

 

[jess719]

This probably won't help much, but I was able to see that stone when I was at BGD in September. I live in Houston, and I went in to look at another stone. He was showing me differences in color and pulled out one of the the most beautiful stones I had ever seen. He then told me it was a 2ct L! I really couldn't believe it. It had this ever so slight creaminess to it, and it sparkled like crazy! If it wouldn't have clashed horribly with the other F/G stones in my set, I would have switched it out on the spot!

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll get a great stone. I have had nothing but great experiences with BGD, and I've heard some awesome things about ERD.

 

[alma123]

This probably won't help much, but I was able to see that stone when I was at BGD in September. I live in Houston, and I went in to look at another stone. He was showing me differences in color and pulled out one of the the most beautiful stones I had ever seen. He then told me it was a 2ct L! I really couldn't believe it. It had this ever so slight creaminess to it, and it sparkled like crazy! If it wouldn't have clashed horribly with the other F/G stones in my set, I would have switched it out on the spot!

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll get a great stone. I have had nothing but great experiences with BGD, and I've heard some awesome things about ERD.

Thank you so much! I am quite attached to this diamond as well and I was very close to buying it, until I saw the ERD 1.99 ct with a very good HCA score. Although all three rings are well within my budged, I am quite frugal and can use the 1 k savings toward a dress or something. Weddings are so expensive!

Then again, if anyone at PS (with more expertise than I do) have on any reasons why 1 is clearly better over the others, that would certainly sway me.

P.S. Does anyone know if ERD has all the stones listed on their website in-house?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No, all of the stones listed at ERD are not in-house, and I might guess that these two are not since they have no photos. It is really impossible to even comment on those two stones. All BG stones are going to be beautiful, but others are going to see your L stone as tinted so you need to decide if that would bother you. I think a J is a better choice, but I'd look at the vendors who provide photos and idealscope images.

Here ya go...same diamonds for less $$$ (still no pics):

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-2885550-1.99-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-SI2-Clarity.aspx?sku=2885550&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-2952204-1.81-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=2952204&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[alma123]

No, all of the stones listed at ERD are not in-house, and I might guess that these two are not since they have no photos. It is really impossible to even comment on those two stones. All BG stones are going to be beautiful, but others are going to see your L stone as tinted so you need to decide if that would bother you. I think a J is a better choice, but I'd look at the vendors who provide photos and idealscope images.

Here ya go...same diamond for less $$$:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-2885550-1.99-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-SI2-Clarity.aspx?sku=2885550&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Wow, how did you find that? I completely agree with you, idealscope and actual photos are must-haves. I thought since ERD is in NYC, I can look at these in person since they did not provide the images. But it only occurred to me later that these may be "virtual" stock which is what I wanted to avoid.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I added the other diamond up there, too. I think B2C is in NYC, too, and I think they'll do idealscope images. So any of the vendors would have to call these in before you could see them. SI2 in 2 ct will be risky. I'd personally rather go with the 1.8 J VS2 if it was a beautiful cut.

I used the PS search. I find the lowest prices all the time this way, and it also shows me which stones are virtual at vendors where I am not sure. But no pictures usually indicates virtual.

https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results

 

[alma123]

Thanks, appreciate it. It does seem the J VS2 would be the "safest" option.

 

[PintoBean]

Have you decided on a setting yet? You might get the most bang for the buck if you get the setting and stone from one vendor.

If you are planning on going to see erd in person, also check out idj, Leon and Steve k. Since they are right around the corner from erd