Engagement Ring Advice

[fils]

Who woulda thunk it'd be this hard?!

I have recently decided to take the plunge, and have proceeded to drive myself insane trying to cram tons diamond research and education into the late nights after work. After browsing the forums and noticing how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is, I figured I would just ask.

I *THINK* I am looking for around a 1.5 carat, princess cut diamond for a solitaire engagement ring. I have visited a local wholesaler, and personally could not tell the difference between a I-SI1 and a G-VS2 with my naked eye. I am fairly certain the lady feels that size is more important(to an extent) than the color and clarity. That being said, I would still like something that is eyeclean and has a decent "wow" factor.

One thing I've noticed in shopping around- everybody asks for a budget. Having been in sales for many a years, I feel it's unwise to tell them how much I want to spend up front. Is this inappropriate in the diamond world? It almost feels like buying a used car!

I would like to keep the cost under $10k, and would be most comfortable around $8.5k. Is that a reasonable expectation?

Any guidance and pointers will be much appreciated. I'm just a lost little boy in an unfamiliar world

Thanks in advance!

 

[TG]

I was in the same spot just weeks ago. Look online at any of the vendors on the forums or in the pricescope search. Prices are up front and no one asks your budget. You will see a huge inventory and learn quickly how far your budget will go.

 

[JulieN]

$8.5K will get you something about around 1.2 or 1.3 cts. You'll need the full 10K to get 1.5 cts.

 

[TC1987]

Warning: Tint in a diamond is something that you can train yourself to see. Sometimes you don't notice things about a diamond initially, but then suddenly you do after you've owned it or studied it a while. I saw tint from 3' away in a 1.5ct Hearts On Fire princess, from the side. Princess in I color should have evident tint compared to a G. What lab graded it is important, too. GIA and AGS are the two strictest, and anything EGL or IGI or "other" can easily be overrated by a grade or two on color. If that store showed you an AGS I and an EGL G, they really might have been the same color, see? Be certain that you / she can accept the creaminess of an I-colored princess.

eta: Someplace on her there should be a "cheat sheet" for preferred dimensions and proportions for princess. I know there is one for round. The cut of the diamond is what gives it scintillation, fire, brilliance. You don't want a poorly-cut but large diamond. It will look blah. Search for "cheat sheet princess" here. I am not into princess cuts and I am too short of time. Otherwise, I'd look it up for you.

 

[fils]

Thanks for the help. Back to the search

 

[fils]

OK!

I think I've found one I like. I went to see it in person, and it looks good to me. Opinions?

GIA cert
Square Modified Brilliant (What does this mean? I've never seen it listed this way)
6.30mm x 6.19mm x 4.44mm
1.51ct
Color K (I know this isn't a preferable color, but I really couldn't see a tint - even right next to a better color diamond)
Clarity VS2

Polish and Symmetry are both Very Good

66% table
thin - thick girdle
71.7% depth

What other information should I ask the dealer for?

 

[heididdl]

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond