Best round diamond for $3000?

[archangel]

hey, what is the best diamond i can get for 3k? I rather get a Ex cut,polish and sym vs size. but ovbiousy size does matter. the things i wouldnt mind being lower is clarity si1 eye clean. what can i get for this range? what if it was a hearts and arrow round 000 grade?

thanks

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-609783.htm


If you have a great cut diamond, the J color should face up white. Make sure it''s eyeclean. The first stone w/pricescope discount is about 2870.00

Here''s one slightly over at 3100.00 again, check if it''s eyeclean
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4357/

Check w/the experts on the next two. I''m a cushion gal, and they know all about depth, the H&A calculator, etc. but here are a few good ones to me!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1166841.asp

CHECK AGAIN THAT THEY ARE EYE CLEAN

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1140549.asp

 

[jstarfireb]

Whoa, a 0.95 ct AGS0 for under $3k?!? Snap that puppy up if it''s eye clean!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 8/16/2008 11:31:09 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Whoa, a 0.95 ct AGS0 for under $3k?!? Snap that puppy up if it''s eye clean!

Ditto, nice find stephanie!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1166841.asp
Archangel,
Price with PS discount only $2860, you have the look of a 1ct, and the main inclusion looks to be prongable (can cover with a prong).
Pls check with JA if its eyeclean, if it all checks out you may have a winner!

 

[phoenixgirl]

Here''s what I found:

0.81 H SI1 expert selection

0.84 J VS2 H&A

0.83 I VS2 expert selection This one is slightly above budget at $3136 with the PS discount, but it has a nice big spread of 6.16, which would make it look bigger. (Compare to this one carat GIA certed I VS2 -- it has a crappy cut and the same diameter for more $)

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 8/16/2008 11:45:38 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 8/16/2008 11:31:09 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Whoa, a 0.95 ct AGS0 for under $3k?!? Snap that puppy up if it''s eye clean!

Ditto, nice find stephanie!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1166841.asp
Archangel,
Price with PS discount only $2860, you have the look of a 1ct, and the main inclusion looks to be prongable (can cover with a prong).
Pls check with JA if its eyeclean, if it all checks out you may have a winner!

tripple ditto, that''s a great stone for 3k.

 

[archangel]

hi everyone, thanks for all the input.

i feel soo uncomfortable with this process of buying. i have researched the heck out this topic. i been to a gemologist and GOG store. Luckily i live very close to it. and will most likely will buy from him. Its just a matter of the one diamond thats just waiting for me to find her.

GOG i know is popular around here. I know Rhino is the owner. I must admit, he is pretty nice to talk to. Not very pushy and very much willing to work with me. My only concern is that for that service im paying a premium price and with a low budget it shows even more.. i mean i understand u have a retail store and there is something to be said about having to view the diamond first hand. However, i know its also an internet company that has probly sold more online than retail. i have seen prices using the search engine on this site for diamonds that were equal atleast in GIA or AGS score that were almost $1000 different. for my 3k budget thats 1/3 less diamond

thats a high premium for their service. has anyone observed this or no?

i have talked to a few owners and i learned they like to add 10-20% to their diamonds to make a profit.

i have yet to pick a setting in the store but i really like a micro pave setting with a milgrain pattern on the sides. its a common setting i think.

alittle more on the diamond itself. How do u guys feel about Star 129? i kinda like it. it has more pinpoint lighting out of it vs broad light the brilliant produces. any thing bad or good about this 129?

THANKS EVERYONE for their input

 

[vintagelover229]

I was looking at the star 129 myself. Just remember that some people like it, while other people don''t care much for all the fire, etc. Also, another thing to consider is that you are paying for the speciality cut. If you want to go w/ GOG that''s great. Also, let jonathan know about the James Allen stone, most of the time he can get the same ones!

I''m visiting there some time this week hopefully and jonathan is great. you can''t go wrong with him!

 

[partgypsy]

I think the higher number of cuts show off best in a larger stone (2 carats or more), while it can be a bit of a busy look on a smaller stone (but that''s my personal opinion).

 

[archangel]

yaa i think u might be right about the 129 in a small stone. and i looked at my price range. im lookin at a .5 carat

I have seen the video about the Hearts and Arrows and a few in person. is this cut worth it? all the ones i been lookin at are stones out of my range to just get an idea about the cuts and other properties. actually i didnt know they were out my range till the end.

oh well..

Would it be better for me to go to a gemologist to get a better deal? does anyone know one who can give a good and honest deal in NY? im located in Long Island but can goto the diamond district.

 

[Cleo]

I found this gorgeous diamond for you, as you are looking at GOG:

0.75ct G SI2 H&A - $2981 bankwire pice

I think this one has to be a serious contender - it''s a great stone!

x x x

 

[jstarfireb]

GOG has videos of the Star129 and other branded rounds (Solasfera, Eighternity) that demonstrate the difference between these stones and H&A rounds. They are all beautiful, sparkly stones, but the kind of sparkle is different. H&A stones are famous for their large, broad flashes of light, whereas Star129s have a remarkable amount of tiny "pinfire." It''s the same kind of contrast as between a round and a princess. The videos demonstrate this nicely; take a look!

 

[arjunajane]

If you actually live near GOG I would go with them in a second!
Its not just the service while you are buying the diamond, but you will be able to go to a real store to have your ring checked, cleaned etc., and not have to send it across the country if something ever did go wrong.
They also have a great trade up policy if thats in the cards for future.

As mentioned, GOG will be able to get in any stone virtually listed with someone else, just ask. I''m sure they will also be competitive in price, which most think they already are.

Cleo has also found a great stone there for you, just check its eyeclean

 

[archangel]

that looks very good!! i definitely wanna take a look at it. if anything, that is a benchmark to go by for 3k. thank you for finding it cleo.

i should mention i have time. and i have started my research probably too early. Im glad i did, as there is soo much that im learning from this site as well as talkin to people about it.

I had the tour on the diamond and i feel like the 129 stuck out the most. Definitely the most brilliant out of them. I did observe the broad and pinfire flash. my problems is that i dont know what im supposed to like. am i supposed to like the blatant reflection back at me or is there a beauty in balance like contrast u get with the 57 facets?

if i ask someone new, what looks better to u? im sure they pick the 129. bc its the most sparky. i think this is what my GF is probably lookin for.. just something to make her friends say "ohhh wow".. i on the other hand know the 57 facet H&A stone is probably a better balanced stone. any more info on this topic or best to just pick what looks best to me?

that stone is really nice.. thanks again!!

 

[Cleo]

No problem - you''re welcome.

Diamond selection is a very personal thing - only you can tell which cut of round appeals to you most. It''s just the same as choosing which shape diamond you prefer.. no-one can tell you what to like.

The great thing is by going with a vendor like GOG is that yo can always upgrade your stone in the future. So, as well as going up in size, you could also pick a different shape, or cut if you wanted to.

A standard round brilliant diamond is pretty much universally popular (although by no means everyoe chooses this as an e-ring stone) - but it could be considered a pretty safe choice if you were looking to surprise your GF.

If you''re looking for something to make your girlfriend go ''Wow!'' then a standard, round brilliant with an amazing H&A cut like that GOG will do the job as well as anything! It''s wayy better than probably 99% of the diamonds in your average high street jeweller - and will probably out-sparkle all her friends'' rings just through the great cut.

x x x

 

[archangel]

i have to visit GOG again to see some h&a stones directly against the traditional cuts. i met this custom ring maker and he says he can make any ring design. i have to see more of his work but he is a just a single person owner/maker. i can do this with or without buying a diamond from him. any diamond i would get from him would have to be GIA certified with laser inscription. is this a more better way for me to go?

 

[Cleo]

Date: 8/18/2008 10:43:05 PM
Author: archangel
i have to visit GOG again to see some h&a stones directly against the traditional cuts. i met this custom ring maker and he says he can make any ring design. i have to see more of his work but he is a just a single person owner/maker. i can do this with or without buying a diamond from him. any diamond i would get from him would have to be GIA certified with laser inscription. is this a more better way for me to go?

A H&A diamond, actually is a traditionally cut round brilliant. It has just been cut with much better than average levels of precision and symmetry - and the incredible optical symmetry which results is what produces the H&A pattern. More info on this here.

So, what you might like to do is compare patterned (ie H&A) diamonds, against non-patterned ones.

You might also like to compare them with other brands of patterned cuts such as Solasfera, Eighternity & Star129.

With regard to your ring, I would personally be inclined to stick with a PS vendor for the diamond - but again, it''s up to you. I would then be confident that I have access to any scans or reports I might want to see on the stone, as well as a lifetime upgrade policy in case I ever wanted a bigger/better diamond.

If you do choose to go with this chap, just be aware that there is a huge range even within diamonds certed as GIA Ex/Ex/Ex. I would get details & angles of any diamonds you look at & post them here for opinions, to make sure you get the best cut possible.

x x x

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 8/18/2008 10:43:05 PM
Author: archangel
i have to visit GOG again to see some h&a stones directly against the traditional cuts. i met this custom ring maker and he says he can make any ring design. i have to see more of his work but he is a just a single person owner/maker. i can do this with or without buying a diamond from him. any diamond i would get from him would have to be GIA certified with laser inscription. is this a more better way for me to go?

I''d personally want the same person to set my stone that I purchased the diamond from so that it is covered if something happens. The risk is very low, however, and many do choose to set their ring with another vendor. GOG is more than qualified to create a lovely custom design for you by the way.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 8/18/2008 11:57:06 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 8/18/2008 10:43:05 PM
Author: archangel
i have to visit GOG again to see some h&a stones directly against the traditional cuts. i met this custom ring maker and he says he can make any ring design. i have to see more of his work but he is a just a single person owner/maker. i can do this with or without buying a diamond from him. any diamond i would get from him would have to be GIA certified with laser inscription. is this a more better way for me to go?

I'd personally want the same person to set my stone that I purchased the diamond from so that it is covered if something happens. The risk is very low, however, and many do choose to set their ring with another vendor. GOG is more than qualified to create a lovely custom design for you by the way.

Ditto Kcoursolle

 

[archangel]

hi, little bit closer to my ring i hope!.. ok i saw the .75 carat (suggested one earlier on this thread!! ) and it was beautiful. i love everything about the diamond. i was given a very good lesson about the diamond also. I HIGHLY recommend GOG to anyone! i really do. I liked everyone there except for what seemed me to was the mother. i guess it was my third time in the store. i can only come after 5pm bc of my school and both times i came in during closing time. i was rushed off which i understand for insurance purposes. But this time i show up at like 2pm with special permission from my resident doctor to leave early for this reason. i walk into the store and the first thing she says was oh this is ur third time here aint it? then she says that im clocking u.!!! i mean i walked into the store and she says im clocking you ( i figured it was a joke) but a bit suprised when she came back later to remind me of the time!! thats messed up... i understand that im not buying some 30K diamond but atleast do that behind my back. i have no intention of just getting a "free" lesson from them as i suspect she profiled me as. i have honest intensions of find a ring for my girl who deserves nothing but the best and everybit of what i can afford plus a bit more. But putting that aside, Jonathan is very good at his presentations. ok enough bout the mess. I still would like to give them a shot.

please ignore my comment about the mother.. i just needed to vent a bit.. i normally would do it to my gf but i dont think i can for this topic..

I have decided to increase my budget again. well maybe not increase but redistribute depending on the setting. I love this Tacori setting and i found out its about 1600 for the setting in 18k white gold... and i know my gf would love it!! everything is telling me that setting is the way to go. But its 1600. If i can get somehow someone to just custom make it for me with a little bit of my own design for the prongs for cheaper i can increase the budget for the diamond to about 4000..

Anyone know how much someone would charge for this? i I went back to my guy who said he could do it but he says he doesnt haven any rings in stock to show his work!! hmmm a bit fishy to me.. i need to see some work to judge the artistry of the maker. Does anyone know how much approx it might be for a detailed tacori setting with about .25 carat of good diamonds, 18k white gold? anyone local or online with very good reputation and price?

 

[Cleo]

I would ask either Whiteflash or GOG (probably GOG as you already have a relationship with them) about making a Tacori-inspired custom setting for you.

You can''t get a direct copy, as that will infringe Tacori''s copyright, but you can get similar.

x x x

 

[archangel]

hey, i dont like the exact copy, i would love to change the prongs to a bit more like the "flame" prongs. i will give them a call to see what they can do. also, does anyone know if they match prices from james allen? or whiteflash?

 

[honey22]

To be honest, I would set you max budget first and then work with that. I would recommend getting the biggest, whitest stone you can afford (eyclean of course) and then perhaps setting in a simple wgold solitaire with the option of upgrading later. Are you 1000% sure you know your gf taste when it comes to settings? We see a lot of dissapointements around here, both from ladies who are not exactly thrilled with their settings and don''t want to hurt their fiance''s feelings and also from men who are disappointed that their gf''s didn''t love the setting they were convinced they would love.

So, if you really really are sure about the setting, pick that first, and we can then find the best stone to fit that setting in your budget. If not get a cheaper simple setting and then go shopping together (very romantic and the best of both worlds).

Either way, I still don''t think you can go past GOG. I am suprised to hear that you weren''t totally happy with their service, I am sure Jon would have taken note of this thread and will make sure you are made to feel more welcome in the future. It''s a very stressful purchase too and I was a little oversensitive when I bought my ering too, so don''t worry about it

. They are happy to help whether you are spending 3k or 30 k!!

GOG has lots and lots of settings too, may not on their website. Maybe you can make an appointment with Jon himself? to finalise a setting, and then have him suggest the best stone with the rest of your available budget. I second AJ though, if I lived close to GOG, there is no question where I would be purchasing from. Jon will be able to find you a stunning ering right in your budget

Good luck!!!

 

[Rhino]

HEY ARCHANGEL!

Let me just say it was a great pleasure to be able to meet you face to face and to be able to spend time teaching and demonstrating to you portions of our selection process. I mean it when I say you are a pleasure to serve.

2 things got me chuckling as I read this thread.

1. 30% ... Anyone chargeing a 30% difference apples for apples wouldn't survive very long on the Internet. I think you now have a good understanding of not just the differences in service but also the differences in product after our last meeting.

There's nothing like being able to see with your own eyes how the technologies we employ correllate to practical observation.

Many have traveled greater distances to see and learn what you have.
2. Mom.

Yep ... she is most definitely overprotective of my time.

When folks come in and we start learning and looking the time seems to slip by and it goes by fast. When I'm not looking at my watch hours can slip by in what seems like no time at all. Mom realizes there are others waiting for my assistance as well and she's like the little birdy on my shoulder at times reminding me how long its been (just like a concerned mom

). Don't sweat it as i've already spoken with her. There are people who can make a decision in one visit, some 10 visits and many in between. Everyone is different and we are there no matter what it takes so dont' worry about it archangel. Take as many times as you need although I may only be able to spend 1 - 2 hours with you per visit (as I generally schedule my appointments for no longer than 2).

I hope to be of further assistance and I really liked the setup you were looking at. That Tacori setting is amazing and while we also do make custom rings as well, even if a company were to make a close dupe it'd never be the same as the original. Considering its a handmade Tacori the price is pretty reasonable too considering. In any case good to cya here on the forum and hope to see ya again.

Warm regards,

 

[archangel]

hi, i was totally happy with jon. he was really nice and professional.. i am not gonna ignore them for that but it is stressful finding this one ring and i do admit im very edgy about everything. . i know im only doing this once. i really want her to be blown away by the ring and i think i know her taste. its always been a bit quarky but predictable. ie.she thinks a dragon design in a watch is "cool".. hmmm noo and im very grateful that gift for me never got purchased. the tacori design i picked out was the HT2154 . i wanna change the prones to show the diamond a bit more.

i think the design of the setting is set. only thing is now where to get it made and how much..i am trying to talk to another vendor from this site. I have emailed them about a copy of this tacori. i will wait for thier reply and see.


Anyone have ANY idea how much a tacori ht-2154 with about .25 carat pave diamond and 18k white gold is if i get it custom made?

i see Jon posted while i type my reply.. hehe.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 8/20/2008 9:38:15 PM
Author: honey22
To be honest, I would set you max budget first and then work with that. I would recommend getting the biggest, whitest stone you can afford (eyclean of course) and then perhaps setting in a simple wgold solitaire with the option of upgrading later. Are you 1000% sure you know your gf taste when it comes to settings? We see a lot of dissapointements around here, both from ladies who are not exactly thrilled with their settings and don''t want to hurt their fiance''s feelings and also from men who are disappointed that their gf''s didn''t love the setting they were convinced they would love.

So, if you really really are sure about the setting, pick that first, and we can then find the best stone to fit that setting in your budget. If not get a cheaper simple setting and then go shopping together (very romantic and the best of both worlds).

Either way, I still don''t think you can go past GOG. I am suprised to hear that you weren''t totally happy with their service, I am sure Jon would have taken note of this thread and will make sure you are made to feel more welcome in the future. It''s a very stressful purchase too and I was a little oversensitive when I bought my ering too, so don''t worry about it

. They are happy to help whether you are spending 3k or 30 k!!

GOG has lots and lots of settings too, may not on their website. Maybe you can make an appointment with Jon himself? to finalise a setting, and then have him suggest the best stone with the rest of your available budget. I second AJ though, if I lived close to GOG, there is no question where I would be purchasing from. Jon will be able to find you a stunning ering right in your budget

Good luck!!!

Totally agree.
I spent ~2.5k and had weeks and weeks of help.

Archangel, I''m sorry you feel you were treated unfairly - as you said, Jon really is great at what he does, so imo thats what counts at the end of the day.
I also say, best thing in this process is just mention it to your vendor - 99% of these things are just a misunderstanding / miscommunication.
If not, businesses can''t improve without feedback!

I second Cleo''s advice of asking GOG about an "inspired" setting, but also as Honey mentioned *please* make sure you are 100% before spending a large amount of budget on the mount. It won''t be upgradeadble / refundable like your diamond..

 

[Rhino]

hehe... hey again arch. Watch out you know I can see in your window you live so close to me right?

jk... just to let ya know too we can alter the prongs for ya if you wanted them trimmed some. Talk to ya soon and thank you for the kind words ya'll. Hope this finds you well down under Arjuna!

Kind regards,

 

[Cleo]

Jon - If I weren''t engaged, and half a world away I''d come over there and give you a great big hug. You''re just so lovely.

Jon''s already mentioned it, but archangel you can just get GOG to modify the Tacori prongs for you.. easy.

x x x

PS. A dragon watch huh? Maybe you should get her a dragon ering! (JK!!)

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 8/20/2008 11:18:50 PM
Author: Rhino
hehe... hey again arch. Watch out you know I can see in your window you live so close to me right?

jk... just to let ya know too we can alter the prongs for ya if you wanted them trimmed some. Talk to ya soon and thank you for the kind words ya''ll. Hope this finds you well down under Arjuna!

Kind regards,

Hullo friend!
Good to see you posting some more

...saving my pennies down here so hopefully I too can have the "full GOG experience" one day, lol.

Your mum sounds great, I know what you''re like - you need her otherwise you''d be chattin'' till 9pm each day, right?

 

[Rhino]

Date: 8/21/2008 6:06:43 AM
Author: Cleo
Jon - If I weren''t engaged, and half a world away I''d come over there and give you a great big hug. You''re just so lovely.

Jon''s already mentioned it, but archangel you can just get GOG to modify the Tacori prongs for you.. easy.

x x x

PS. A dragon watch huh? Maybe you should get her a dragon ering! (JK!!)

You are a dear Cleo. Well then I''ll have to send you one rhinocerotic cyber hug via the net.

Arjuna... you hit the nail on the head.

I hope to be around a little more often but time, our common foe escapes me. Working on lots of new projects.