Hello all,
Appreciate all the helpful info shared among the users here and thank you in advance for any help that you can provide me!
I've begun the search process and have found several recent, relevant posts that have been very informative. However, my situation may be slightly unique (compared to those in the posts I've read) in that my GF will offer no parameters to guide the decision-making process. I could bring her to a store to at least narrow down shape but, given her vote of confidence and her strong prioritization of engagement over ring, I'm going to run with it.
I'm going to select a diamond / custom ring (separately) online and will inevitably have more focused questions over the next several weeks but, for now, I could use the group's help with the following:
1) I would like to go with a classic shape rather than one en vogue. I'm leaning toward round but would appreciate the views of the group, even if subjective.
2) Budget on the whole package is $30k although I don't need to max this out. I'm looking at Ideal - Excellent Cut / probably 2.2 - 2.4 / G-H / VS1 - VS2. For a given size and excellent cut, is there a best "bang for the buck" color / clarity combo for rounds?
3) Seems like cut (even within the "EX" category) may be a large driver of $/carat. Looking for tips to optimize search given large number of rounds and high variance in $ / carat.
4) Now to setting - older posts point to LM; newer ones to VC / SK. Am I missing a vendor and is there a consensus view on (1) best of breed and (2) balanced quality / price?
thanks so much!
Appreciate all the helpful info shared among the users here and thank you in advance for any help that you can provide me!
I've begun the search process and have found several recent, relevant posts that have been very informative. However, my situation may be slightly unique (compared to those in the posts I've read) in that my GF will offer no parameters to guide the decision-making process. I could bring her to a store to at least narrow down shape but, given her vote of confidence and her strong prioritization of engagement over ring, I'm going to run with it.
I'm going to select a diamond / custom ring (separately) online and will inevitably have more focused questions over the next several weeks but, for now, I could use the group's help with the following:
1) I would like to go with a classic shape rather than one en vogue. I'm leaning toward round but would appreciate the views of the group, even if subjective.
2) Budget on the whole package is $30k although I don't need to max this out. I'm looking at Ideal - Excellent Cut / probably 2.2 - 2.4 / G-H / VS1 - VS2. For a given size and excellent cut, is there a best "bang for the buck" color / clarity combo for rounds?
3) Seems like cut (even within the "EX" category) may be a large driver of $/carat. Looking for tips to optimize search given large number of rounds and high variance in $ / carat.
4) Now to setting - older posts point to LM; newer ones to VC / SK. Am I missing a vendor and is there a consensus view on (1) best of breed and (2) balanced quality / price?
thanks so much!