choosing round for $4K

[Wahoo]

My fiancé and I are shopping for a round center stone for a three stone ring; our budget is 4K for the stone. The side stones will be my great-grandparents' hand cut round diamonds; both are half a carat, and I think at least H. We want an eye clean diamond, probably H-ish or better to match the sidestones, as large as practical for 4K (maybe just under a 1?). I would consider an older cut but don't think it's necessary. We are interested in buying online due to busy schedules. Any suggestions? Thanks.

PS--My finger size is 4.5.

 

[06pvc]

I did a quick search at James Allen and H at 1ct under 4K will be tough. They didn't have anything.

Here is a 0.83 ACA from Whiteflash: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792432.htm
Here is 0.77 GOG H&A: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9151/

I think you are going to have to get an eye-clean SI2 if you want to meet those parameters. This can be done, but will take a little leg work on your part. Also would you consider looking at I color stones too? That would give you a greater selection.

Here is a BN: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-f-color-si2-clarity_LD02578192?click_id=310873546

The problem is that you need to get assurance that it is eye clean. With your budget I don't think you are going to be able to work through Whiteflash & BGD. I was in a similar situtation of trying to stretch my budget and had a very good experience working with ID Jewlery. They can call in Blue Nile stones and provide you pictures (as well as ASET/IS light performance pictures). That would be my recommendation.

 

[kefira]

JMO, but I don't think modern cuts go nicely with antiques. Their looks are so different, I think I would find it distracting.

 

[Wahoo]

Thanks for the honest opinion...this is why I am asking advice. Where would I find an antique stone, and how is the value affected? Thx.

 

[06pvc]

2 places i know of:
http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/loose_antique_and_estate_diamonds
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/index.php

I would also find out with more certainty what color the side diamonds, also can you post pictures of them? I think per the "not looking weird, it would be best to get stones with similar faceting pattens.


I think this may be your stone:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/095ct-Loose-Old-European-Cut/20930688_3dvwmS#!i=1662631628&k=JX5MpSV

 

[tyty333]

JMO, but I don't think modern cuts go nicely with antiques. Their looks are so different, I think I would find it distracting.

I agree. You need to find out what kind of stones your grandmothers are. Can you post some up close pictures?

Old World Diamonds is a good place to look for old stones. Really need to know what yours are though.

 

[kristalulu]

Here is one from GOG, the diamond is clarity enhanced and won't look as bad with the naked eye.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9276/

And another:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9058/#script

Transitional round:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/102ct-Transitional-Cut-Diamond/21754709_Z5F3m9#!i=1734212702&k=k5pjDC7

 

[kefira]

Yes, matching the facet patterns will result in a beautiful ring. It will also show off your g-grandparents' diamonds to their fullest, and probably become a very sentimental piece of jewelry for you. You have gotten some lovely suggestions so far, and maybe the pictures give you some idea of what kind of stones you already have.

As far as the value of older diamonds, you can often find deals if you have the time and inclination to wait/search on ebay and the like. Retail pricing was just mentioned in another thread where a vendor stated that old European cuts go for about the same as round brilliants, while old mine cuts go for about the same as fancy shapes (which is less than round brilliants). You should certainly have the ring independently appraised for insurance purposes, but essentially you will want to insure it for what you pay, plus the replacement value of the stones you already have.

I envy your task!

 

[Wahoo]

Thanks for these excellent options! It will be nice to have a ring that really represents our family. I took the diamonds to a jeweler and found out they are OEC, F to G color (struggling to upload a decent pic with my cell phone). The good news is that my grandmother's dress looked great, so we'll save some money there that can go toward the ring budget...which will be necessary to match the color of her parents' stones.

 

[Gypsy]

I think you should take macro shots of the existing stones. And post them. So we can help you with the match. There is a LOT of variation with old cuts and faceting.