Bang for my buck

[walter123]

Ok, so I am racking my brain right now about what to do about the diamond I am looking for. First off let me say thank you to everyone on pricescope because you guys are such a big help! I am dead set on a three carat diamond but my budget is only about 13-14k. I am willing to go down in clarity and color as long as the diamond faces up nicely and doesnt look yellowish. I have considered getting a stone that is laser drilled (but not filled) but I was told by a jeweler (who seems to be reputable) that there isnt much of a discount with laser drilled diamonds because up until two years ago, laser drilling didnt even need to be disclosed to the buyer. Are my hopes of a nice looking three carat diamond unfeasable with my 14k budget or does anyone have any suggestions. Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
thanks to you all!

-walter123

p.s.- does anyone have any good/bad stores about C.E. diamonds (filled)?

 

[Mara]

Why dead set on a 3c diamond?




Something like this could be an option if you are willing to compromise down on color to a K:




http://www.abazias.com/database/rapinfo.asp?stock=2688904&flag=ps




You'd have to get crown and pavilion angles on it and images of the stone as well as better image of the inclusion plot etc...but there MAY be options like this for you if you want something well-cut but not H&A premium. The color notes 'faint brown' on the GIA cert, I didn't realize K was considered faint brown??

 

[walter123]

I am not completely dead set on 3ct...I unfortunatly have larger hands and fingers and a 3ct looks just right on my hand. My friend tried on a 3ct. with me and she has tiny hands and the diamond looked gigantic on her (jealous

). In addition, I love the look of larger stones but i certainly dont want a three carat if it looks like a lump of coal...

 

[Mara]

Well that said (what size hands are yours?)...I understand wanting a big stone.




One option is to get something like a 2c and then upgrade later to a 3c when your budget is higher. Alot of vendors have lifetime trade-in policies, so this may be a very viable option. Get something now and then in a year, get the 3c you want without having to compromise entirely on color and cut.




Trust me, I love size, but be smart about it...you will NOT want a dead looking 3c on your finger when you could have a super lively 2c...which will get more admiring glances and which will get more *stares*.

$14k is a good chunk of change, spend it wisely. My 2 cents!!

 

[fire&ice]

For a *decent* 3c (I/SI1-2) you will need to step up your budget nearly 3k. A K color stone in this size will more than likely be yellow.

There is a 3.02 listed in the 11k range that is I/SI2 EGL. Many times though, you get what you pay for.

The only other stone I saw close to your budget is a 3.07 I/SI2 EGL stone. THis one had med girdle ex/ex polish & symmetry. 59.2D 58 T 9.52x 9.46 for 15+K. It may be worth pursuing.

With a budget like yours, something's gotta give. Either it be your budget, size or being able to see something w/ the naked eye.

To maximize size - look for a very good make stone (not a H&A ideal), an SI stone (preferably somewhat eye clean), I/J stone w/ med/strong blue fluor. But, even with those parameters you will have to up your budget at least around 20%.

Your best bet would be to explore stones in the 2.65-2.85 range. The difference between a 2c stone & a 3c stone is huge. The line starts to blur around 2.5+. Also, if you like the look of a large stone, have the stone set in a high profile.

Good luck.

 

[diamondsman]

I think that if you have your mind set on a 3.00 cts+ , set your range between 2.75-3.25.
if you decide on Clarity enhanced in better colors and qualities, make sure though that it's disclosed to you.,check the web and see whast is the best deal you can get for your $$$$$,