Brand new to diamond shopping

[leapinghorse]

Hello everyone. I am just starting the process of shopping for an e-ring and thought I would ask for any help you might be able to offer. Here is what I am looking for:

1 - 1.3 carat - obviously would love to have it as big as possible but will not sacrifice certain quality standards for size.

Cut - From what I have read and seen, I only want something that is ideally cut. However, using the HCA tool, is it possible to have a lower rated diamond that scores well using this tool? Is this a good option if so?

Color - Looking in the F-H range. Will probably fall in G or H based on pricing. Should I have any concern about the H range?

Clarity - SI1. Must be eye-clean.

My budget is $7000. I would love to be in the $6000-$6500 range in order to spend a bit more on the setting. This number may be able to increase, so I have been looking at diamonds up to $7500 when searching.

If anyone has any tips about what to look for, what to avoid etc. please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[iheartscience]

It sounds like you''re off to a good start! I can''t answer your question about the HCA, but I think your starting parameters as far as color and clarity are good.

You might want to include SI2s as well because some of the SI2s on here are amazingly clean looking. There was just a thread about inclusions and someone''s SI2 ACA from Whiteflash was super clean. Good luck!

 

[Regular Guy]

Shopping on line? This could be the one...$6533 based on wire pricing.

Date: 4/30/2007 9:12:21 AM
Author:leapinghorse

Cut - From what I have read and seen, I only want something that is ideally cut. However, using the HCA tool, is it possible to have a lower rated diamond that scores well using this tool? Is this a good option if so?

This idea is actually what Pricescope is somewhat based on...that you could find a good scoring diamond, downgraded otherwise by the labs, and thereby discounted. I think I found one. It''s not too uncommon to find one of these, but discounts especially now are not significant...since cut never factored big in the cost, and now cut grading has entered GIA and been improved for AGS. So...keep you eyes open, but a primo AGS, where there''s a premium rather than a discount, is not unreasonable, too.

Other notes below my signature may help.

Regards,

 

[leapinghorse]

Thanks for the help.

One thing that is baffling to me is when I find diamonds with identical characteristics but different prices. Are there any other things I need to consider besides the standard gradings?

I also get a little cautious when I see something that looks like a great deal....as though something must be wrong with the stone. For example, I found:

GIA certified
1.41 carat
Cut: ex
color: G
Clarity: SI1
Sym: Ex
Polish: Ex
Girdle: Thin to medium
Depth: 61.3
Table: 56
Crown: 34.5
Pavilion: 40.8

Scores a 1.2 HCA and is listed at about $7800. Seems like a great price for that size compared to anything else I have seen.

Am I missing something?

 

[jaz464]

It may not be eye clean.

Is there any flourescence in it?

 

[leapinghorse]

No flourescence.

Here''s another one: http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&pid=LD01022172&filter_id=0#grading_report

If you call a vendor to ask about it being "eye-clean", are they typically reliable in giving an accurate answer?

 

[leapinghorse]

Quick question about the diamond I listed from bluenile. On the GIA certificate, under comments it says "pinoints not shown". I have also seen others saying "additional clouds not shown". Is this usually a sign that there are many clouds or pinpoints so they do not mark them all down?

 

[JulieN]

they should be, as you will return it if there are visible inclusions.

if they are not shown, it means they are not grade-makers. you should skip if it says clarity determining clouds not shown, or something like that.