Diamond Help - large fingers!

[can24]

Hi All - this is my first post here, though I have lurked through the frankie/VC/Emilya thread for a little while now.

I am 5'9" 155lbs and have LARGE fingers - size 9.75! Doesn't help that I'm also a lefty. I would like a diamond, and probably a halo setting to look as 'normal' as possible on my large fingers. My SO and I are just beginning to talk/look at rings, etc. I *think* I have the specifications that I would like in a diamond, but I'm not too sure about the best way to find these. Obviously have looked at the PS search tools, JamesAllen, etc. but actually seeing all of these in person seems like a big task! So, would love your feedback on my 'ideal' specs below and where you think the best place to check these out in person. I'm on the West Coast, but would make a trip to the East Coast if need be.

Type: any round cut, RB, OEC, transitional..etc
Cut: best possible
Clarity: anything eye clean
Color: I really actually like the warmer colors, so J/K/L per GIA?
Carat: ideally 9mm or above
Would like some fluorescence too - medium-strong?
HCA of less than 3? I have heard that's a good number, but not too sure.
Budget of $15-$18

Thank you in advance!

 

[Tophat1]

Some pre-loved options:

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...asscher-cut-diamond-g-vvs2-gia-cert-plat-ring

Doesn't quite have the finger coverage but maybe there's some budget left for a new setting

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...er/2-dot-02ct-oval-diamond-platinum-halo-ring

I think this would look awesome on a large finger. Says it is resizeable but I would get a second opinion.

 

[Tourmaline]

I see that the first person to comment ignored that you like warmer diamonds, don't need top clarity, and want a round stone, haha!

The warmth will certainly help you to make a larger stone affordable. With the HCA, under 2 is recommended for further evaluation. I have a GIA L diamond that is "spready", so it has a larger diameter than an ideal cut diamond. It scores well on the HCA (1., but experts here would have told me to reject it due to a low crown angle. You have a healthy budget for a beautiful diamond, but perhaps you can think about whether you care more about diameter or perfection of cut, and we can help you come up with some beauties.

Another thing to consider: a warmer diamond may not look as nice with a whiter halo, unless you want to go much warmer and emphasize the difference.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd only do K-L color in an antique stone. I'd do I-J in a modern round and for those you want an HCA score under 2.0 not 3. You are adding too many requirements to include fluorescence. I consider it a bonus if I can find it, but there are far more stones listed without it.

Here's a 2.4 L around 8.5mm.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-49ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-l-vs1/

a gorgeous stone at the top of your budget (just under 3 cts but with the diameter of a 3 ct):

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...d-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1#.WNgJazsrI2w

 

[Tourmaline]

Here is a gorgeous old cut (EDIT: I see that DS and I came up with the very same one):

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...d-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1#.WNgMFY61vVo

Here is a round brilliant (L color) with strong blue fluorescence:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...l-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2315953

 

[Snowdrop13]

All sounds good although when looking for an MRB you should stick to HCA of less than 2 to weed out poor performers. The Brian Gavin Blue range might suit you if you like fluorescence but there doesn't look to be much in the size you want at present. I had a look around for some different options.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-23ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vvs2/ This is lovely, you could halo it?

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...d-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1#.WNgJH5F4WhA Large OEC!

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638807.htm Superideal cut round, totally different look again but top range cut!

 

[Snowdrop13]

Hahaha we've all had the same thoughts!

 

[Tophat1]

I see that the first person to comment ignored that you like warmer diamonds, don't need top clarity, and want a round stone, haha!

.

Oops! I went down a rabbit hole searching the pre-owned sites and confused myself! Oh well, at least others are on the ball

 

[can24]

Wow, thank you all so very much for your quick replies!!

Diamondseeker - I think I see what you mean with old cut vs new cut and color. The flowery look of the OECs seems to just "go" with more color! Noted on HCA < 2.

Tourmaline - good point re: whiter halo. I haven't seen any J/K/L colors on a halo in person before, which I probably should do!

And thank you snowdrop as well as the two above for the diamond listings! I LOVE the jewelsbygrace 2.9ct! And the white flash images look great too!

Ok - diamond hunting time. Thanks again!

 

[dollyanjuli]

Hey Can24!

Do you know what kind of setting you like? Just asking because some of the more Vintage/ Deco halo styles that are currently popular add a LOT of finger real estate. I have an 8MM cushion in a delicate halo and I am having an 8MM round set in a deco style setting, and it literally feels TWICE the size!

Take a look at the CVB thread and you will see what I mean

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-jewelry-the-new-cvb-eye-candy-thread.211825/

Good luck! I am sure you will get something fabulous!

 

[msop04]

If you could find a J/K/L stone with brown undertones, a rose gold halo would be ! I'm still in love with waitykaty's (sp) ring...