budget round diamond advice

cropcream · Feb 24, 2016

Hello,
I am in the search of a loose diamond under $3000 between .6 and .8 carats. I am looking for ideal cuts and am willing to negotiate on color and clarity, as long as its "white" and "eye clean." My fiance's only wish is for the diamond to "sparkle."

I am thinking of purchasing this diamond depending on what the in-house gemologist report says:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8081843-0.80-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=8081843&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

The girdle of the diamond is also a little off-putting. How much of a difference would it make in actuality?

On the other side of the spectrum is a .59 carat E VS1 for around 2800 also with an excellent HCA rating.

What is the better "value"? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

E B · Feb 24, 2016

cropcream|1456362415|3995249 said:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8081843-0.80-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=8081843&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Did they give you an IS (or ASET) image? I can't even see the cert for the diamond, but maybe because you've got it on hold.

cropcream · Feb 24, 2016

I currently have it on hold. I was told that the diamond is overseas and that it will take 24-48 hours to receive the report by the gemologist. Here's the GIA cert.

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=6215623321&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

E B · Feb 24, 2016

cropcream|1456366546|3995289 said:
I currently have it on hold. I was told that the diamond is overseas and that it will take 24-48 hours to receive the report by the gemologist. Here's the GIA cert.

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=6215623321&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

Oh, okay, I misread. I thought you said it was an in-house diamond. When you say report, do you mean the image(s)?

Here's a nice one to compare the B2C diamond to when you get the additional info: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3633161.htm

cropcream · Feb 24, 2016

Thank you for your response. To clarify it was a diamond located at an overseas distributor. I'm not sure what the report will contain but I requested specific information on the inclusion as well as ASET/IS images. Love the diamond you posted. How much weight should I put on girdle variance when purchasing diamonds? I think I'm getting stuck on finding medium or less girdles.

E B · Feb 24, 2016

cropcream|1456370304|3995330 said:
Thank you for your response. To clarify it was a diamond located at an overseas distributor. I'm not sure what the report will contain but I requested specific information on the inclusion as well as ASET/IS images. Love the diamond you posted. How much weight should I put on girdle variance when purchasing diamonds? I think I'm getting stuck on finding medium or less girdles.

Medium to slightly thick is fine. Here's more girdle info:

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-girdle-thickness

cropcream · Feb 24, 2016

I'm willing to raise my budget for peace of mind. Here's the GIA cert for a .82 VS1 E I found for 4245. No ASET/IS images but I'm going to request for them tomorrow. What do you think?

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=5171331842&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

The diamond has a similar price per carat value as this JA diamond. Not sure where the difference in pricing is coming from.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-877969

E B · Feb 25, 2016

cropcream|1456374248|3995368 said:
I'm willing to raise my budget for peace of mind. Here's the GIA cert for a .82 VS1 E I found for 4245. No ASET/IS images but I'm going to request for them tomorrow. What do you think?

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=5171331842&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

So far so good on the numbers (and the price!). Is this also from B2C?

ecf8503 · Feb 25, 2016

You can lighten up on color and clarity a bit - no need for a VS1 especially in this size. You can safely drop to a G/H color and VS2/SI clarity - there are plenty out there that are eye clean, especially in this size range. Smaller stones don't concentrate color like larger ones do, so you can safely drop there too. Then you'll be able to get a larger stone for the money. Which IS something you will see. But do not compromise on cut - that's what makes the diamond sparkle! Are you sold on B2C? I'd look at Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin as well.

Diamond_Hawk · Feb 25, 2016

cropcream,

I cannot comment on specific stones because I am in the diamond business. But here are a few thoughts:

It looks like you have a wide-range of 'acceptable' parameters. Take your time and start narrowing down where you really want to focus.

I noticed you posted a budget, for it to be 'white' and 'eye-clean' and her only wish is for it to "sparkle" as your top criteria? If so - focus on those. If you want 'sparkle' you are going to look for cut first and foremost.

Listen to the others on this forum - expand your color and clarity parameters and you will no doubt come up with something spectacular.

cropcream · Mar 3, 2016

Thank you for everyone's input. I went with a .88 D SI1 confirmed eye clean. Can't wait to see it in person. Do I take it to an appraiser next?

Gypsy · Mar 4, 2016

Do you need to get it set?

And where are you (metro area).

You need an independent appraiser. Not one at a jewelry store.

cropcream · Mar 4, 2016

Yes. I will need to get it set. I am in the LA area. Any recommendations for a fair priced appraiser? Also am looking into a 4 prong tiffany style setting. Any recommendations for shops that can execute that well? Ideally I would like it to look exactly like the original tiffany 6 prong but I haven't seen a lot of places that can pull it off. How can I ensure the shop that sets the diamond does not switch the diamond? Thank you.

cropcream · Mar 7, 2016

Will be setting the diamond in 14k rose gold solitaire. However still shopping around for a shop to set it at in the diamond district. Will be makig a few appoinentments. Diamond scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Any recs on appraisers in sfv or la? Any tips when meeting with an appraiser or when getting the diamond set? Thank you!!

cropcream · Mar 10, 2016

Thanks for everyone's help! Found an awesome appraiser in dtla and my fiance the perfect solitaire rose gold setting for the rock after much searching.