Engagement Ring Diamond Help

[abc12345]

Hi Everyone,

First off, just wanted to say that, as a newbie this site has been very helpful. Thanks everyone! On to the next questions. I'd like to purchase a high value (balance of quality and size), round diamond to add to this heirloom petite cathedral pave band setting.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-white-gold_21017

My budget for the loose diamond is $ 7000, or perhaps a little over.

I have settled on...

Ideal Cut
H
SI2

Generally I am finding diamonds between 1.19 and 1.34 carats in this price range. I know to look for "Excellent" in symmetry and polish but know much less about depth, table, girdle, and fluorescence. Also, I don't want the diamond to have any inclusions visible to the naked eye (which I understand is possible in SI2).

I'd like to purchase through Blue Nile due to the combination of discounts I will get, but understand that they are drop shippers.

3 Questions

1. Can i request that they send a photo of the actual diamond to ensure that there are no visible inclusions?
2. Is it worth compromising slightly on color to try to get a slightly larger diamond (The band is .12 carats and I know my girlfriend would prefer 1.5 total carats with the loose diamond...something about those magic half and full numbers haha)
3. Would anyone be kind enough to suggest some specific diamonds to look at?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[JulieN]

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03360068

You need to ask about inclusions, pictures are not a good way of determining that.

 

[abc12345]

Thanks for the tip as well as the link to the diamond. Is "ideal" really that much better than "excellent" when it comes to symmetry and polish? I guess what I'm trying to say is, will the untrained eye be able to tell the difference between the two? Thanks.

 

[JulieN]

You can find a great diamond with VG grades but Blue Nile doesn't have pictures so I just stick to EX grades or preferably an AGS 0 like that one.

If you want to hit 1.5 ctw, get a setting with more/bigger diamonds.
Milgrain this and it should look very similar:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/channel-set/14k-white-gold-thin-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-19

Or this one if you want a very delicate look: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-0.30ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7096

 

[phale]

I've read on here that you should go for the best cut for a round diamond

Im a newbie here too

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_g_si1#p=1359779

GIA report doesnt pull up, maybe you can ask them for its GIA number then plug it in here

https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/reportcheck/home.jsp

once you have numbers for crown and pavilion , you can plug in here

https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/reportcheck/home.jsp

Ive talked to GOG and WF, they are great. They have in house diamonds so they can give you their opinions

Yekutiel is finding me a diamond, he is fast and can find you something special