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Best Bang for your buck 1-1.3ct RB

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dawnxcui

dawnxcui

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
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341
Hi Guys,
my best friend is in search for a diamond for his future fiance!
I'm so excited for them and know that pricescope is THE place to know for help.

here's what he's looking for:
Color: G or higher
Clarity: Eye clean
Cut: he's looking for sparkle and fire, so the cut must be pretty good
Carat: 1 to 1.3 ct. the bigger the better

there's no set budget, we're looking for the best bang for his buck!
he's only looking for a simple solitaire setting so depends on where we source the diamond, we might just pick a simple setting from that seller.

thanks in advance!! :P2
 
First question: is there a reason why it needs to be G or higher? Going down two grades (to I) shouldn't be too noticeable in every day use, and will save your friend a lot of money for the carat.
 
Assuming G is what your friend wants, I'd start with this search:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds...=&sort=price-asc&page=2&pageview=24&adv=false

USA Certed (Martin) is somewhat hard to get ahold of (forget e-mailing; try calling) but there are some other vendors who will match his prices.

Some of the diamonds on there won't fit Tolkowsky ideal proportions, and many forum members would only consider diamonds with EX (<2) HCA numbers, so if you see some you like, try to get some pictures (even better idealscope or ASET) and post them here to see what people think.
 
One more thing: an eye clean SI1 stone probably offers the best "bang for the buck" but you'd want to inspect the diamond before making a decision. If you want to "play it safe" VS2 is probably a better way to go, although even with VS2 stones there's a chance of it being not "eye clean."
 
He claims he can see visible yellowness in H and I. When he went to some local stores. However I feel like he's comparing it side by side with other diamonds or those diamonds were just poorly cut so it traps the color within the stone
 
flyingpig said:
Since you are interested in a G+ color diamond, you try SI1 clarity with medium fluo diamonds.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3397227
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3031770
As long as there is no milkness or haziness from fluo, these offer amazing value.

A typical 1.0c G VS2 with no/faint fluo can get very expensive.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3228291
Click to expand...

I was going to share that D 1.02 SI1! Same thoughts - as long as there is no milkiness, it seems like a great value for a D color.
 
Thanks guys! What about something on the bigger end? His budget is around $15000 Canadian. If we lower the color requirement to H or I what can he get for that amount?
 
dawnxcui said:
Thanks guys! What about something on the bigger end? His budget is around $15000 Canadian. If we lower the color requirement to H or I what can he get for that amount?
Click to expand...

What does that equate to in USD?
 
About $12,000 but budget is somewhat flexible.
 
dawnxcui said:
He claims he can see visible yellowness in H and I. When he went to some local stores. However I feel like he's comparing it side by side with other diamonds or those diamonds were just poorly cut so it traps the color within the stone
Click to expand...

If he's looking at diamonds in stores, he could be looking at "store graded" stones, which could be inflated by as much as 2 grades in color (so the I he's looking at might actually be a K).

For 15K CAD, you can pretty easily move up to 1.5 carats if he's willing to go to an I color:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ns=Images&advancedParameter=CaratSliderBottom

(These aren't the best deals, just an example of what's out there; I'm sure other people will have better suggestions.)
 
Ok.. since he is looking for a "deal", I have to share these preloved options, although they don't really meet initial criteria :oops2:
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-split-shank-ring-1-dot-67-carat-g-vs1-center - beautiful handforged (oval however) halo.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...deal-110ct-JSI1-Round-in-SK-Halo-setting.html
Another halo by SK, the diamond is idea cut, but J so quite a bit lower than where he wants to be.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-2-12-ct-round-engagement-ring-13-000.233285/ - A brand new ring for sale, it is a J, but a whole 2.12 carats of it.

Ok, now back to the initial criteria;
Here is a pretty well cut, G color, clean and larger diamond within budget: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09079827
 
dawnxcui said:
About $12,000 but budget is somewhat flexible.
Click to expand...

Okay, just saw that I could change to C$ on Blue Nile, so I'll be looking!
 
 
Based on the information you have from your friend, you can likely drop to an H -- but I'd hesitate going to a I or J unless your friend re-visits a higher-end store with GIA graded stone to be sure of his color sensitivity (not Tiffany's, they grade their own).

That SI2 from BGD is an incredible deal. For non-super ideal, I'm loving the D/VS2 from BN.
 
wow thanks guys! i'll definitely send these options to my friend. will let you guys know what he ends up deciding!
 
That 2.12 SimoneDi posted that's for sale is beautiful and one that I've been keeping an eye on! Definitely looks like a good choice for your friend! I also really like the 1.5 msop posted from bluenile! You have a great variety of choices that your friend will love! Can't wait to hear what he chooses.
 
dawnxcui said:
wow thanks guys! i'll definitely send these options to my friend. will let you guys know what he ends up deciding!
Click to expand...

Hey @dawnxcui... what do you think is THE MOST important spec to your friend?? Are they willing to sacrifice on one for another? (Just trying to get a better idea) :)
 
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