Diamond Opinions - 15k Budget

[qjh]

Hello,

This is my first time posting, but I've been reading these forums constantly for the last few weeks and the information/help is incredible. I'm buying an engagement ring and would really value your opinions.

My budget for just the diamond is around $15K, but flexible.

Here are the ranges I am tentatively looking for:

Cut: Ideal, Excellent
Carat: 1.7-2.0
Clarity: VS1-SI1, must be eye-clean
Color: H-I, maybe J

I would probably be willing to go to J for color, as long as it's not too noticeable (this is one of my main struggles right now). I've read that minor fluorescence could actually mitigate the color issue on the lower end, so that could be an option.

If you were working with a similar budget, would you have very different criteria? Obviously that is subjective, but I find it helpful. I'm kind of in the "compromise on color for size/cut" camp right now, but I could be convinced otherwise.

Here are examples that I've been looking at:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10863/ – J with faint fluorescence
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2945667.htm – Not listed as eye-clean?
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938315.htm – J but ACA/H&A
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.03-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-227700

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[Niel]

have you seen this? buy it with the setting or alone. alone its under 15k
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/1716-Round-Brilliant-Diamond/28367276_C5WxCR#!i=2401762423&k=HFQbNNK


http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings_page_2 (toward the bottom)

 

[heididdl]

Niel gorgous I just saw the video of this ring and it is just beautiful

 

[JulieN]

Probably, if I were you, I'd get the BGD Blue that is listed at Erica Grace, see Niel's post. Unless you want to hit 2 cts. Probably looking at J color or I SI2 to get two carats, here are some examples: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&DiamondID=97333,227249,224040,212534,228849,201477,227787,216962,218032

 

[qjh]

I really appreciate the input. I had not yet seen that, Niel, it is very nice looking. I was not familiar with Erica Grace until now.

How would you say that diamond compares with this one: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938315.htm
J color, but it is ACA/H&A plus VS2. Or this one which has similar trade-offs but is larger: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10863/

They all are right around the same price. I'm curious how an H&A J would compare to an H/I that is an excellent cut (or similar).

 

[qjh]

Still very interested in your thoughts on the above question about the J with H&A.

In addition to that, I am probably going to request viewing a couple of Ritani diamonds at a local shop. I want to select one of these two similar ones, but I'm not sure which. Based on the specs and images, which one do you all think I should choose to view locally?

1. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-15-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-G1NSRF
2. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-13-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-Z3VQS5

Once again I really appreciate all the help – it has been invaluable thus far.

 

[Niel]

I really appreciate the input. I had not yet seen that, Niel, it is very nice looking. I was not familiar with Erica Grace until now.

How would you say that diamond compares with this one: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938315.htm
J color, but it is ACA/H&A plus VS2. Or this one which has similar trade-offs but is larger: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10863/

They all are right around the same price. I'm curious how an H&A J would compare to an H/I that is an excellent cut (or similar).

All of these would be amazing. Pick the BG blue if you're worried about color, otherwise I would pick the gog o e is t it cheapest and biggest?

 

[Niel]

Still very interested in your thoughts on the above question about the J with H&A.

In addition to that, I am probably going to request viewing a couple of Ritani diamonds at a local shop. I want to select one of these two similar ones, but I'm not sure which. Based on the specs and images, which one do you all think I should choose to view locally?

1. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-15-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-G1NSRF
2. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-13-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-Z3VQS5

Once again I really appreciate all the help – it has been invaluable thus far.

Of the two ritani you posted I like the specs of the first better. Gold find! What ritani setting would you choose? I am obsessed with a few of there settings. There simple solitaire with the double claw prongs?

 

[JulieN]

Still very interested in your thoughts on the above question about the J with H&A.

In addition to that, I am probably going to request viewing a couple of Ritani diamonds at a local shop. I want to select one of these two similar ones, but I'm not sure which. Based on the specs and images, which one do you all think I should choose to view locally?

1. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-15-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-G1NSRF
2. http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-13-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-Z3VQS5

Once again I really appreciate all the help – it has been invaluable thus far.

Deep pavilion on the second one, verify #1 is eye-clean.

The BGD Blue, Whiteflash ACA, and GOG Signature you asked about are all comparable, if not indistinguishable save for color/size.

Did you look up the AGS report for the Erica Grace ring? Use these numbers: 104047808014, 1.716 ct, you should be able to open a pdf of the report.

 

[ariel144]

Have you considered an AVR (OEC)?

This one has a white feather but would love to see the Premium MRB on GOG and this AVR with med. blue fl. compared on a video:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9892/

To answer your question about an H/I color to a H & A J...cut is king and I believe a well cut J will face up just as white as an I that is not as well cut, but you would have to compare them in person.
I watched a video on how GOG selects their premium H & A's and they measure an angle that others don't to determine the absolute best performers.

You have some really nice stones to choose from in your budget. My fav. is the AVR as they seem to be much brighter than a H & A and are so unique.

 

[diamond-enthusiast]

What angles do they measure that others don't? The lower halves?

 

[qjh]

This is really helpful everyone, thank you.

Julie - Thanks for the tip on the AGS report, I found it using that info. Also, good point about the deep pavilion.

Niel - Great! Those two do seem promising save for the pavilion on the second. I hadn't seen the dual crawl prong settings before – they look very nice. Ritani seems to have a nice selection for settings in general.

Ariel - I hadn't considered AVR, mostly because I haven't read much about them yet. Is it exclusive to GOG? Thanks for the thoughts on H&A J vs H/I. That is my main consideration right now.


Everyone - I have a call with a gemologist at Ritani to compare a few of the diamonds on Monday. Assuming they are eye-clean, I'll select a couple to view at a local store. I'm still keeping an eye on the others I mentioned too.

 

[autumngems]

I agree with ariel144. Cut makes the difference. My first was a K with no flourescence and my current is a J with med flourescence but the cuts were the absolute best so they faced really white.

 

[jetsurgn]

How was your gemologist appointment at Ritani?