Can you please help me find a diamond?

[DazedandBewildered]

Hello,

I am in the process of searching for a diamond for my girlfriend, I''d love to get tie her down by the summer.

I''m lucky in the sense that I know exactly what it is she wants, I''m just having a little trouble finding the diamond.

My budget is 16k (lower would be good too!!!).
Shape: Round
Cut: Excellent/Ideal
Lowest Color: G or maybe a really good H
Clarity: I''d be happy to find a SI2 that is eye clean.
Polish and Symmetry: Excellent or Ideal, If it''s a superb diamond, would VG be okay?
As far as fire/scintillation/light return...she is easily distracted by "sparkly" items..so I guess the most "sparkly" diamond, is that scintillation..?

I would love something that faces like a 2ct if not more. Can you please tell me what measurements are necessary for a diamond to "look" like a 2 carat diamond? I''ve read posts where a person has a 1.7ct diamond but it "looks" like a 2 carat diamond or if it''s side by side by a 2 carat diamond it looks like the same size, if not larger.

I know she''s interested in a simple no pave double claw setting a la Harry Winston solitaire and have already sent a price quote request to BGD.

I''m open to any of the online vendors since I have read wonderful things about most of them on this forum, the one thing I do need is an upgrade policy...I hope I won''t ever have to use it but knowing my gf and hopefully future wife...i probably will

I will continue to search online as well and post here for your feedback. Thank you so very much!

 

[yssie]

1.78 G SI1 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2231257.htm
2.04 H SI2 (a little more) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6399/


ETA: you might want to call some vendors to see if they have stock that's not posted online.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 1/18/2010 11:25:34 PM
Author:
I would love something that faces like a 2ct if not more. Can you please tell me what measurements are necessary for a diamond to ''look'' like a 2 carat diamond? I''ve read posts where a person has a 1.7ct diamond but it ''looks'' like a 2 carat diamond or if it''s side by side by a 2 carat diamond it looks like the same size, if not larger.

I will continue to search online as well and post here for your feedback. Thank you so very much!

a well cut 2ct stone = 8.10mm in diameter

 

[DazedandBewildered]

Thank you, yssie.

How is this one if it''s eye clean? it''s considerably more than my budget but is it a good price?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187814.asp

It received a 2.3 on HCA.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DazedandBewildered]

thank you dancingfire! Now I know what number to look for.

 

[tonyc2387]

Date: 1/19/2010 12:01:23 AM
Author: DazedandBewildered
How is this one if it''s eye clean? it''s considerably more than my budget but is it a good price?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187814.asp

"Additional clouds not shown" in SI2 diamond is usually a red flag. Check with gemologists that clouds don''t impact performance for final word, but IMO the online picture doesn''t look so great...

 

[yssie]

Date: 1/19/2010 12:01:23 AM
Author: DazedandBewildered
Thank you, yssie.

How is this one if it's eye clean? it's considerably more than my budget but is it a good price?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187814.asp

It received a 2.3 on HCA.

Thanks in advance.

Could be good if clean, you'll want to request an IS image.



One thing - you mentioned in your OP that you may consider upgrading, I don't believe JA has the most generous upgrade policy - might be something to look into.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/19/2010 12:10:04 AM
Author: tonyc2387

Date: 1/19/2010 12:01:23 AM
Author: DazedandBewildered
How is this one if it''s eye clean? it''s considerably more than my budget but is it a good price?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187814.asp

''Additional clouds not shown'' in SI2 diamond is usually a red flag. Check with gemologists that clouds don''t impact performance for final word, but IMO the online picture doesn''t look so great...

Just to clarify here, if it says "clouds not shown" in the comments section that is not normally of concern, it can be if it says " clarity grade is based on clouds which are not shown" or clouds are illustrated on the clarity plot. The critical factor is if the clarity grade is given because of clouds.

 

[stone-cold11]

This looks promising and within your budget after PS discount.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1176940.asp

 

[tonyc2387]

Date: 1/19/2010 6:24:18 AM
Author: Lorelei
Just to clarify here, if it says ''clouds not shown'' in the comments section that is not normally of concern, it can be if it says '' clarity grade is based on clouds which are not shown'' or clouds are illustrated on the clarity plot. The critical factor is if the clarity grade is given because of clouds.

I stand corrected... but would you agree that the lower left quadrant of the diamond looks a little on the cloudy side? Or is it just the way the picture was taken?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/19/2010 11:01:32 AM
Author: tonyc2387

Date: 1/19/2010 6:24:18 AM
Author: Lorelei
Just to clarify here, if it says 'clouds not shown' in the comments section that is not normally of concern, it can be if it says ' clarity grade is based on clouds which are not shown' or clouds are illustrated on the clarity plot. The critical factor is if the clarity grade is given because of clouds.

I stand corrected... but would you agree that the lower left quadrant of the diamond looks a little on the cloudy side? Or is it just the way the picture was taken?

Thanks Tony - its difficult to tell with the stone as it does have a somewhat cloudy appearance and especially in the area you mention - best thing is to get one of the gemologists to check it as it could be the photo or oil/grease on the stone causing this effect, they will be able to tell for sure.