Biggest diamond possible? Eye clean and low colour

[pearaffair]

I'm looking for a BIG diamond, preferably round brilliant, eye clean, and any colour... for $2000! What's the biggest you think I could realistically get? I'm willing to have an G-Z colour, an I1 (so long as it looks good) or a light brown like this one from DBL: http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-brown-diamond-122ct-u-v-light-brown-i1-round-brilliant-diamond-gia-r6371

I just want BIG and sparkly! An excellent cut is a must

What do you think is reasonable to hope for? I'd love a 1.5 carat but I know that's just wishful thinking... maybe a 0.75 is possible? What do you think? Am I dreaming? Should I save up a bigger budget?

When DH and I got married, we had no money. My engagement ring is silver with a labradorite pear. It's gorgeous, but not so durable. The time has come to hunt for a diamond! I can save up for a setting later, but for now I just want a sparkly rock to call my own !

 

[phoenixgirl]

How about this? You'd need to bump up your budget by $200. ETA: This actually scores a 0.7 on the HCA!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.22ct-n-i1-round-diamond.html

 

[PintoBean]

Im no good at picking fancies, but how about a pear for pair affair? Pairs face up larger for their weight!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.91-carat-i-color-i1-clarity-sku-832042

 

[lovedogs]

Im no good at picking fancies, but how about a pear for pair affair? Pairs face up larger for their weight!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.91-carat-i-color-i1-clarity-sku-832042

I totally agree with you Pinto! I think a pear might be great for the OP since they face up larger. Here are some potentials (all within $100 of budget, and I think you can get some referral discount from JA?)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.92-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-854636
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.94-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-684636
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.93-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-684380
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.91-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-685267
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.80-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-758870


Also note that I am a love of the "fat pear" shape, rather than those which are thinner, so if you don't prefer that feel free to ignore me But I think JA will have some good options for you

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd go with a vendor with an upgrade policy especially if you want to work your way up in size. GOG and Whiteflash do not require double the price to upgrade which matters when you move up in size.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

$2000 Canadian or USD?

cheers--Sharon

 

[Niel]

May I ask, does it absolutely positively have to be a diamond?

There are some absolutely beautiful, large, colored stones that really may satisfy a lot of what you want. It may not sparkle like a diamond, but colored stones can be quite lovely.

 

[flyingpig]

I'd go with a vendor with an upgrade policy especially if you want to work your way up in size. GOG and Whiteflash do not require double the price to upgrade which matters when you move up in size.

If you go this route, check the trade-up policies. Not all diamonds from GOG or WF qualify for lifetime trade up.

Since you are ok with 0.7 carat range and low color, I would consider this stone. Unique and genuinely awesome diamond.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/0-73ct-m-vs2-august-vintage-round-diamond.html

If you change your mind, you can always trade up..

If you want something reasonable and cheap, but larger...
https://www.solomonbrothers.com/diamonddetail/895F4447/shop?affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope
HCA: 1.6 with Excellent Spread, GIA Triple X, and the proportions are potentially AGS Ideal.

I know nothing about this vendor, though

 

[Rockdiamond]

Just a note about comparing trade up policies.
We do require our clients to spend double to trade up and get full value on the purchase they are trading in. But our policy is a bit different than most in that our clients receive credit for the ring as well as the diamond.

 

[Queenie60]

I would call on Gypsy if I were you

 

[flyingpig]

Just a note about comparing trade up policies.
We do require our clients to spend double to trade up and get full value on the purchase they are trading in. But our policy is a bit different than most in that our clients receive credit for the ring as well as the diamond.

I have been curious. Which company does Rockdiamond represent? Sorry for ignorance...

 

[junebug17]

Just a note about comparing trade up policies.
We do require our clients to spend double to trade up and get full value on the purchase they are trading in. But our policy is a bit different than most in that our clients receive credit for the ring as well as the diamond.

I have been curious. Which company does Rockdiamond represent? Sorry for ignorance…

Diamonds by Lauren

 

[egemnoel]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policie on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade without having to double up in price.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

 

[Niel]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policies on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade and an 80% buyback.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

I don't think it's a must.

You're paying for things like idealscopes and trade up policies. So if RIGHT NOW you want the best diamond you can find, and you plan on keeping if LATER, then I wouldn't pay for these things.

 

[mrs-b]

Try this - .98ct, $1995 and big specs:

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-brown-diamond-98ct-fancy-dark-orangy-brown-si1-heart-shape-diamond-gia-r6841

Gorgeous color, too!

 

[Niel]

I think it might give you more of a visual presence to do a bypass ring. Get two smaller stones, rather than one a tad bigger.

For example

 

[pearaffair]

Wow... I am learning that I might be a tad indecisive! So many incredible ideas on here! I'll have to talk to DH and see if he's leaning to any idea in particular. I am loving the suggestion about keeping trade-up policies in mind, because I think I have DADD (Diamond attention deficit disorder... is that on the list with DSS and DOCD yet? ) and change is good.

I love the idea of two 0.75ct stones on a bypass ring, because then I'm still getting the finger coverage... hmm. I will have to sleep on this and narrow down what exactly it is I'd love to have. I thought I was only going to have 1-2 options because of my small budget! I'll be spending $CAD but my $2000 is USD because I feel like the majority of retailers and PSers have prices in USD.

Thanks for all of the grand ideas, and I'll update as soon as I've narrowed down my dream!

 

[egemnoel]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policies on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade and an 80% buyback.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

I don't think it's a must.

You're paying for things like idealscopes and trade up policies. So if RIGHT NOW you want the best diamond you can find, and you plan on keeping if LATER, then I wouldn't pay for these things.

True, it’s not a must. Neither is free shipping. Neither is a 14-day return period. But I’m inclined to want those things RIGHT NOW. Wouldn’t you?


When it comes to LATER, anyone who has tried to resell a diamond knows they’re ever only offered a fraction of the purchase price. Less than 50%. More like 20-30%. Even if you never plan to use it, a seller who will provide 80% of the purchase price back like HPD is an extremely positive standout. Same goes for companies like HPD, WF, GOG offering trade-ups where you get 100% credit toward any other purchase, even if it’s for only $/£1 more.

You’re shelling out thousands for practically any diamond. Knowing it has significant value, both now and later, is something I like to consider.

Good to see the OP likes the idea of up an upgrade policy, for me this was the order of priority when I was diamond searching.

1. Cut
2. Upgrade / Returns / Buyback policy
3. Price

We never know what the future holds

 

[Niel]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policies on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade and an 80% buyback.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

I don't think it's a must.

You're paying for things like idealscopes and trade up policies. So if RIGHT NOW you want the best diamond you can find, and you plan on keeping if LATER, then I wouldn't pay for these things.

True, it’s not a must. Neither is free shipping. Neither is a 14-day return period. But I’m inclined to want those things RIGHT NOW. Wouldn’t you?


When it comes to LATER, anyone who has tried to resell a diamond knows they’re ever only offered a fraction of the purchase price. Less than 50%. More like 20-30%. Even if you never plan to use it, a seller who will provide 80% of the purchase price back like HPD is an extremely positive standout. Same goes for companies like HPD, WF, GOG offering trade-ups where you get 100% credit toward any other purchase, even if it’s for only $/£1 more.

You’re shelling out thousands for practically any diamond. Knowing it has significant value, both now and later, is something I like to consider.

Good to see the OP likes the idea of up an upgrade policy, for me this was the order of priority when I was diamond searching.

1. Cut
2. Upgrade / Returns / Buyback policy
3. Price

We never know what the future holds

No. Not necessarily. That's why I said that.

Everyone's priorities are different. There are people that will never change their ring, and want the best thing they can get now, because that is that. Not going to tell someone who feels that way they have to worry about trad eup policies.

 

[pearaffair]

Good to be aware of all the options put there. I agree that everyone's needs would be different.

 

[AdaBeta27]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policies on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade and an 80% buyback.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

I don't think it's a must.

You're paying for things like idealscopes and trade up policies. So if RIGHT NOW you want the best diamond you can find, and you plan on keeping if LATER, then I wouldn't pay for these things.

But you can't go wrong with a CBI H&A RB diamond, either. Even their cape colors will face up nicely pale and lively, as opposed to dark or dull. I'd avoid pear other fancies that have points on them. They will concentrate the tint and won't give the same stunning performance and fire.

 

[Lookinagain]

Well, does OP want the biggest diamond she can get? or the biggest diamond WITH a great trade up policy? She has a $2000 budget and wants a large diamond. I'm guessing large with great trade up isn't really in the cards.

 

[pearaffair]

As Diamondseeker mentioned above, a vendor with an excellent upgrade policy is a must.

This was the reason I went with PS vendor http://highperformancediamonds.com Not only do they produce some of the best cut diamonds they also have an amazing upgrade policies on ALL of their diamonds. 100% lifetime upgrade and an 80% buyback.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/company/trade-up-buyback/

I don't think it's a must.

You're paying for things like idealscopes and trade up policies. So if RIGHT NOW you want the best diamond you can find, and you plan on keeping if LATER, then I wouldn't pay for these things.

But you can't go wrong with a CBI H&A RB diamond, either. Even their cape colors will face up nicely pale and lively, as opposed to dark or dull. I'd avoid pear other fancies that have points on them. They will concentrate the tint and won't give the same stunning performance and fire.

What does CBI mean?

 

[pearaffair]

Well, does OP want the biggest diamond she can get? or the biggest diamond WITH a great trade up policy? She has a $2000 budget and wants a large diamond. I'm guessing large with great trade up isn't really in the cards.

I'll have to think about it.

 

[thecat]

What does CBI mean?

Cut by Infinity

 

[egemnoel]

What does CBI mean?

Cut by Infinity

Just a slight correction CBI stands for Crafted by Infinity. The company is based in Antwerp and they manage the entire process from sourcing, selecting, cutting and polishing all their own AGS 000 diamonds.

 

[thecat]

What does CBI mean?

Cut by Infinity

Just a slight correction CBI stands for Crafted by Infinity. The company is based in Antwerp and they manage the entire process from sourcing, selecting, cutting and polishing all their own AGS 000 diamonds.

Thanks for the correction. Shouldn't post when I'm tired

 

[Niel]

Ok, so...stay with me here it gets a bit complex.

I've seen this setting from this seller listed for as low as 475.00. I'd email him see if they would take 450... Or at least 475....

I would spend the majority of your budget on getting a 6mm diamond to fit one side.... Then I'd get a colored stone for the other side.

Then, rather than trading your diamond in, you can replace it with a different stone when you have the funds.

That way, if say you find the best deal from someone that doesn't have a great trade in policy, oh well, because your money is going to a new stone while keeping your original....

Just an idea. the only concern is the condition of the prongs. ask the seller...and check out their return policy

 

[ChristineRose]

Marquise is the cheapest shape.
S is the cheapest color.

That may be somewhat out of date, and realistically you can't just dial up a S marquise SI1 and assume you'll like it.

 

[tyty333]

Here is a lovely marquise...a little high on the clarity though...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-if-clarity-sku-618149