Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excellent

[New9uy]

Hello All,

Simply I need help and I feel a bit lost.
I am looking for an engagement ring. I would ideally like to spend 9-10K for the whole thing. I believe this is a healthy budget and an amount that I can afford without feeling like I am throwing money away.

The setting I am shooting for:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/tiffany-style-bead-set-diamond-engagement-ring-1006.htm
I like the diamonds and the sides and the general look of the setting. However, I wanted to see if you guys know of one with a similar band and 4 prong head.
I have browsed james allen, white flash, BGD and GOG. Nothing really popped out at me.

Now for the Diamond:
I am shooting for a $8000 +-200
To me: Cut>CT>Color>Clarity
- Excellent or Ideal(ags) Cut
-1.00 to 1.01 or 1.23-.25: I will either want a 1ct diamond or a 1.25 - I don't really want anything in between.
-G or H in color
-VS2 or I
Open to suggestions



I am open to most online dealers as long as they have a good rep. I would not mind paying a small premium for getting a diamond and a setting from the same place.

I am more of an eye clean type of person.
My future mother in-law took me to macys, zales, kayes and big box stores. So I suspect that I will have way more knowledge compared to my future fiancee and she does not know what would be "mind clean." She has never mentioned anything in regards to a specification of a diamond.

 

[New9uy]

Re: Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excelle

This is the diamond i was looking at:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3194030.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/certificate.aspx?idno=3194030&file_name=1

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excelle

I am a big advocate for getting the stone + setting from the same vendor. Just personal preference, but this makes the process far less complicated + stressful.

Here would be my picks, in each of your size ranges:

Come in $1k under budget and go with an option around 1ct -
1.02ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3403387.htm

If you can bump your budget a bit, this option around 1.25ct -
1.24ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3388135.htm

Both of those have been judged to be eye-clean, according to Whiteflash guidelines.

I would give them a call and see what sort of price you can get on that 1.24ct and the setting you're after. They may be able to work with you to get a completed price close to your budget.

Best of luck!


If you absolutely can't handle SI1, here is an VS2 option under budget:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3208285.htm

 

[New9uy]

Re: Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excelle

Thanks- I see that you choose both AGS based diamonds. Do you think its worth paying a premium on that? (if there is one). What is the mark up ? (are we talking $150 or more like $500)

The one i posted was a GIA and i could request the ideascope.

I personally can go either way. I plan on wiring them the cash so i should be fine.

Thanks for the input.

 

[pfunk]

Re: Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excelle

Yes, AGS 0 cut commands a premium. So do the whiteflash branded "a cut above" diamonds that Rocky linked for you, above and beyond that of AGS 0. However, the branded stones also come with added perks like buyback and upgrade policies. For that reason, if you are set on whiteflash I would be looking at their in house inventory but not their virtual inventory.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Buying Enagment Ring: Round 1-1.25ct G-H VS2/SI1 Excelle

Thanks- I see that you choose both AGS based diamonds. Do you think its worth paying a premium on that? (if there is one). What is the mark up ? (are we talking $150 or more like $500)

The one i posted was a GIA and i could request the ideascope.

I personally can go either way. I plan on wiring them the cash so i should be fine.

Thanks for the input.

The stones I posted are cut to exacting precision standards.

The Virtual Inventory stone that you had posted was a standard stone that any number of vendors may be able to get. It is not cut to specific standards. That does not mean it might not be a nice stone, but is it upper echelon? No, it isn't.

For me, when making a one-time, durable purchase, it makes sense to have the peace of mind of knowing I bought the best, and can feel confident in that choice in the years to come.

Let us know where you land and be sure to post pictures!